Another slant to think about. I left as an Avionics Tech after 17 years (Fairy swine) but did not go through the licence route. I ended up getting a job with "a major British defence contractor" and have been working behind a desk ever since. I've had posts where I've been back into the blue suit world to assist in avionic snags and testing, and for me that is just perfect. Personally speaking I like not working shifts, home every weekend, and trade relatred work as a civvy that keeps my hand in with what's happening. So with your qualifications and experience do you want to keep getting your hands dirty?