The change over I have been told by casa should happen within the next 2 years.. BUt they have been saying that for a while now.
Luckily I still fall under the old system (finishing my last written exam this Saturday actually) and can apply for my licence within the next 10 - 12 months..
I am a pilot / mechanic(half bake at the moment) but I fly helicopters not stiff wing.. I have just got a gig flying off boats touring overseas where it is very lucritive to have both tickets. As soon as I get my LAME ticket my pay DOUBLES overnight..