Empty Pockets,
I'm a JAR CPL(H) and JAR CPL(A)/MEIR with ATPL exams in both (but still low hours in both).
All your rotary P1 time will count towards the P1 requirement for CPL(A) issue up to 100hrs. However, you still need 70hrs P1 in AEROPLANES for the multi-engine issue (which you need for the ME IR).
If you do the aeroplane ATPLs, you only need to do POF to get the rotary ATPLs added. The other way around you'll need to do POF, Performance and Aircraft General. (do the aeroplane ones first!)
To be a heli instructor under JAR you need 300hrs total time (includes FW and rotary) before starting the FI course, whereas I believe its 200hrs total time required for FW instructors...
In the UK, unless you have a connection somewhere, as a low-hours heli pilot your options are either instruction or North Sea co-joe IF they're hiring. But the FW job market in the UK sucks right now also.
As a guideline, a FW instructor in the UK makes about 20 quid an hour and a rotary instructor makes about 40 quid an hour but you'll get the 'magic' 1000hrs more quickly with lower hourly pay somewhere with better weather..
A rotary IR is only going to (potentially) help you with a North Sea position. No other operator is going to hire you as a low hours pilot with an IR for what seems to be mostly single-pilot IFR flying. However, in the FW world an ME/IR is expected by all airlines for First Officer positions..
I can't really help you on which to go for.. It's totally subjective and depends on so many factors like salary expectations, lifestyle etc. However, I'll stick my neck out and say that IMHO helicopters are a more engaging flying experience but that the FW world probably offers better long-term career and pay prospects.
IMHO:
Most challenging things learning to fly helicopters:-
- Basic lack of stability
- Hovering (but once you can do it, you can do it)
- Autorotations and engine off landings
- Confined area approaches
Most challenging things learning to fly aeroplanes:-
- managing configuration changes (flaps, speedbreaks, gear etc)
- speed (things happen quickly at 4-6 nm/min)
- Crosswind landings
- Coping with assymetric thrust (one engine out)