RotarWing,

I presume your aim is to become a licensed engineer on helicopters and not fixed wing?

What you’ve been told is correct, the course content for helicopters is different from fixed wing. I suggest you look at the CAA website for further info.

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=177&pagetype=68&groupid=777

Beware getting an engineering licence is a very, very hard slog. My younger brother finally completed his last exam around Xmas time – but is still awaiting the CAA to issue his licence. Despite completing an approved apprenticeship – it has taken him just under nine years to get to this point. Granted he has had one or two setbacks through the years, including being made redundant at the end of his apprenticeship.

The minimum time it takes to obtain a licence is around five years, assuming no setbacks nor exam failures and that you get decent work experience.

If you’ve got your heart set on becoming a licensed helicopter engineer, I’d suggest you try and get an apprenticeship with a helicopter operator. This should ensure that you get the relevant work experience towards any licence issue.