Hello GB,
I have looked at CAR 31 exams, did some study, walked away only to think about them again. I read most of the syllabus for both AE and EIR and still don't understand why CASA don't offer a part RPL. It can't be that hard to map from one to the other.
The issue I have is the that I am forced to adhere to the CASA timetable and while I MIGHT be able to manage 6 exams every exam period it is still going to take me a considerable amount of time to finish them all off (assuming I pass). It will still cost me a considerable amount of money (@ $100/exam) Even then there is no guarantee of a job or paid work. I really don't want to sit another bundle of exams as I already have. There really should be a mechanism to convert from one to the other but CASA will never see it that way.
Unfortunately I (along with a number of peers and completed students) have reached a point where the motivation to try and enter the industry has gone. We are looking towards alternative. Thinking about it most of these were high performing students who had made very conscious decisions to try and enter the aviation industry but have been unsuccessful or unable in finding work. Many are mature age and I reckon age is factor. Discrimination does happen but proving it is nigh on impossible. Why wouldn't you interview the top students?
It is time to put an end to a dream of fixing (and possibly flying) helicopters. Instead I shall focus on eventually buying my own machine and fly for fun.