I would say those Euro abinto programs are more like military training programs than like your local FBO. Its all about training and confidence.... When I was in the AF our typical upgrade to the left seat was at 2 years and 700-800 hours in the right seat. That was on the C-130, but when done with upgrade you are fully qualified for Tactical Airland and Airdrop, etc.... hell my first "A" code trip was from Pope AFB to Goose Bay, Canada on to Frankfurt, Germany then Sigonella, Italy finally on to Azraq, Jordan. 6 weeks deployed then back to the states.....

Experience, training and individual ability should all be a factor in upgrade.