Willy
I am also an AV Snec in a blue suit. I have stated my first license and take my Oral next week.
The above post is spot on, you need to get you CAA apllication form in before end of May(AD300 look in "Forms"
http://www.srg.caa.co.uk/pld/pld_home.asp). The CAA recognises your experience and training and will give you some exemptions to some exams.
After 1 June 01 you would have to go the JAR route and for us forces guys this isnt as an attractive option as they dont recogonise our experience etc. Hopefully this will change one day.
As far as the attitude expressed above by the guys in civvy street, I guess there are as many wingers and whiners as there are where we currently ply our trade but in civvy street they get paid a decent wage , dont go camping and dont go on jolly japes on the high seas.
Inasman
D'hear that!