Pilot to licenced engineer

[Ray Ban]

Just thinking laterally here as I would like to explore the possibility of adding another string to my bow. What are the requirements to be a licenced light aircraft (piston) engineer and what are the different types of licences? Would the holder of a frozen ATPL be given any credits towards the licences? How does one convert from pistons to turbines? What's the market like for the different types of licenced engineers?

Thanks. :)

[CessnaEng]

Not sure if you'd get any credit for Pilot knowledge.

Starting from scratch you basically need 3 years practical experience before you can take the exams - that's the crippler for people who want to be part time Engineers. (Usually it's aircraft owners who want to avoid the bill that ask this question:D )

Not sure if the ab initio courses still run for BCAR licences for aircraft under 5730 kg don't fall into the JAA rules