Just to add my tuppence worth. Yes a lot of guys in the industry have made the transition and have been very successful. Trouble is, with aircraft getting more and more reliable and service checks getting further and further apart the chances to take things apart and play with them are getting fewer. Which in accountant speak means you don't need so many engineers. You may have noticed if you go to "Airmech.co.uk/forum" that airlines are cutting back on staff so don't give up the day job. (There are more cars on the road than aircraft.). .Having said that many flying schools are willing to let you get your hands dirty if you don't charge too much for your services. You can gain experience and at the same time study for your qualifications. As previous people have said aim high as,in the UK at least, many companies don't really recognise AME's.. .When things pick up in the future and more people are flying again the shortage of Licenced engineers will mean jobs will become available.. .Best of luck