We are not being unfriendly - the problem is under the new regime of JAR-FCL we don't know. In terms of prospects it is not good news either.
Under pre JAR-FCL, there was an established route for transferring either way between planks & RW. You could just look it up in CAP 53 or 54. No such luck under the new system where the CAA seem curiously reluctant to write down a comprehensive interpretation of JAR FCL for the UK. (Apparently, there is a new version of CAP 53 which deals with PPL licences)
As I read JAR FCL2, it seems to give very little credit for any plank experience or qualifications. The other place to look would be the CAA website where there are guides on how to acquire various licences.
Prospects for a new start to helicopters are less good than they were because it is more expensive to get both licences, ratings and flying experience, as a result of JAR FCL2.
You used to be able to instruct with a PPL(H) and an instructor rating - now you need a CPL(H) and (most expensively) considerably more helicopter flying time before you can instruct. Instructing is the classic way for hele pilots to gain more flying time.
The CAA impose a minimum helicopter flying time rule for CPL(H)s to fly PIC for AOC work of 700 hours, through requirements they force AOC holders to put in their Ops Manuals. Since almost all onshore helicopter flying is single crew, poor prospects for a low time helicopter pilot. Very little onshore flying is full-time employee - most is ad hoc freelance.
Offshore a low time CPL(H) used to be able to get work as a co-pilot, if the offshore companies were recruiting. Now even the co-pilot of a multi crew helicopter must have an IR. Since they cost a fortune (under JAR-FCL) this is a major problem - offshore companies are increasingly reluctant to pay for the IR themselves as they have had their fingers burnt.
However, if you really want to do it, it can be done. More smiles per mile, IMHO!
