UNderstand, this is all from a Yanks perspective...
>1. What career opportunities are there for helicopter pilots with the relevant CPL(H) and how do they fair with career opportunities for those with a fixed wing licence?
I don't drive airplanes, but my observation is it's harder to get to an employable level of experience in helos. Once you're a "journeyman" helo pilot and widely employable, the jobs open up-but you're essentially topped out, salarywise. A few go on to specialist skills-longline, ag, etc.-and make decent money, but not comparable to flag carrier airline pay.
2. What types of salaries can a helicopter pilot command and thus manage to pay off the loans for training?
IN the US., the average for-hire line pilot starts at somewhere in the mid-30s. Merit and seniority raises run around 5%, so you'll be a while cutting that financial tail (and eating too).
3. I am currently thinking of Cabair or OAT as a training school. Are there any others I could be looking at?
IN the US, I recommend picking your instructor rather than a particular school, training helo or accepting bids-which are SWAGS anyhow...
4. Does anyone have any particular views or experiences as to the pros and cons of pursuing the rotary wing career route?
If you have to ask, don't do it. 34 years on, and I still love it.
5. What can one hope to achieve with a CPL(H)?
Job satisfaction and years of easy tax returns.