backontrack i too went to SA (FTC) and also gave up work as an engineer, as you say risked everything, that was over 2 years ago now. I have finished taining i have a fATPL and now back in engineering, currently on a lower wage, but i am moving soon to airbus on a higher wage than before my training so hopefully things are starting to look up. also i am sure airbus on my cv will not be a disadvantage.