Actually I disagree. It takes more study to be a pilot than an A & P!!(CAA version-now thats different!)
You have to have alot of money to become a pilot if you have no sponsor and helis are even more expensive. You can get an A & P for less than a couple of thousand dollars at an inclusive school in the States. Their practical can be a bit tougher but the writtens are a doddle compared to the UK CAA version as they give you all the answers out of a database of questions. With examiners on the staff you should be able to get an educated guess at the practical.
You can get an A & P for the same cost as a few heli lessons and equipment here, so you can do both if you want.
[This message has been edited by spanners (edited 10 January 2001).]