cheers for the advice guys, the only problem I can see with a degree type route is that it will take 4/5 years to sort, and I realy want to be out before then

, much as I hate to say it, as even in the 7.5 years I have been in things have gotten very very bad

, and I cannot forsee It getting better... Is 35k for a LAME unheard of? or is that a figure for a big company such as BA/ virgin etc?
What degree would be best to go for you recon? Mechanical engineering, or aerospace/ aerodynamics or somthing like that?