Hey Rich1988, Im a pilot. Just got one stage left which is a type rating on a large jet and then I'll be flying commercially. Blinkz's pretty much listed the ways about becoming an airline pilot. There is at least one pure sponsorship, and thats with GAPAN - Guild for Air Pilots and Air Navigators. (Google it) They offer 6 scholarships for a Private Licence, and one lucky git each year gets their full ATPL paid for! I was lucky enough to get all my PPL paid through with these guys. And it was a very simple process and I found quite easy to get the money
Was a single application form, then a quite easy maths test, followed by a 30/40min interview, and that was it, bingo, 5 g's to fly with! So if you wanna get started, get a few trial lessons, start saving the money asap, and then maybe apply to these guys.
Also Ive done my training with a company called CTC. Very good place to go, as they pretty much guarantee you a job at the end of the training which is a godsend, as it's almost as hard getting a job as actually doing the training in itself! Its just very competitive to get onto the scheme they offer though. Worth a crack!
As for the OP, its all about the Eustachian tube
Just try and yawn as much as poss, practice on the ground before you fly, and you should hear in your head tiny little popping/cracking sounds which is the pressure equalizing, and no more pain!
Edit: LOL just realisied I answered another thread about ears popping whilst flying not the first time flying here, oops.
...thats the fun bit. Otherwise its kinda boring, take something with you like a book, mp3 player or if u have one a handheld console like the psp. I always take mine along with me on my flights and it keeps me amused for a few hrs.
