Originally Posted by
zondaracer
+1
Probably the easiest and least costly way to get the JAA ATPL would be to do the 14 ATPL exams via distance learning, (if you hold an ICAO ATPL such as the FAA ATP, you can self certify for the exams and not need to enroll in a course, so you could buy second hand books from Oxford or Bristol and study on your own plus get a membership to one of the question banks).
Then, if you have a type rating on your ATP with at least 500 hours on type, you can take a flight test in the simulator with a JAA examiner observing, and you get the type rating on your JAA license. Plus you need to get an Initial Class 1 through a JAA AMS, not just any JAA AME.
JAA ATPL is a waste of money if you aren't using it. Also, you get the JAA ATPL and you go 7 years without keeping it current, you lose your exam passes.
Excellent information given here. I took a leave from my airline in the US and recently finished as a freelance candidate for the JAA written tests. Took me a year to complete and to give you an idea, without working and doing it at an easy pace.
You've got 3 years to do the IR part of the practical test to keep the written current.
Also, as a note on the material to study. I
HIGHLY RECOMMEND (I cannot stress enough this part) you buy the OAA Media CBT's. That's what I did and honestly it is MUCH easier than books to retain the vast amount of material involved. The software is excellent, has practice questions found on the exams and is of high quality. A no brainer really. All you'll need when ready to take the test is a subscription to Bristol's question bank and you'll be set.
I always wanted to come back to Europe to fly (as I'm French) and finally came to realize jobs are very rare here in Europe. But hey, better have the JAA written and never use it than spend your whole life thinking you passed up a great opportunity...
Good luck and don't hesitate to PM for more info!
Cheers!