Joe
Dreamed of being a pilot all my life until I went to OASC for the first time at 16 and failed the medical. As I was the scientific type at school, I was encouraged to apply for engineer and succeeded in getting a University Cadetship (when such things still existed) to help me through Uni. I emerged from the Cranwell training mill in 1990 and have not looked back since - I've had a brilliant time. To answer your specific questions here - not very hands-on, you've got technicians to do most of the hands-on stuff while you get on with the higher-level management stuff. It's not just about managing personnel, though, it's about a whole lot more. If you want to know more, check your PMs and get in touch.