ATPL renewal - UK or JAR?

[Wet Power]

My UK ATPL renewal is due in the next few months and I have a choice (like we all do) between a JAR or UK licence.

I have a fairly solid job with a UK company and I am entitled to an unrestricted JAR licence if I go for it (in excess of 1500 public transport command hours).

Do I fly the flag and stay with a UK licence or go for the JAR in case I need to go into Europe for a job in the future?

Any views on the subject?

[RAFAT]

I've just come back from the CAA today, where I was applying for the initial grant of an ATPL. I'd only completed a UK ATPL application form as I'd decided that was the licence I wanted, not a JAR one, wanting, as you say, to continuing flying the flag.

Before I reached the FCL counter I met a CAA friend and quizzed them on the UK vs JAR licence issue. I was told that within the next few months the CAA would stop issuing the UK ATPL, and there was absolutely no disadvantages in having the JAR ATPL issued now as opposed to later.

There was a pleasantly short and easy conversion form to fill out, with the main point being 'multi-crew' time, and I was amazed that although I was technically applying for the UK licence and then applying for an immediate conversion to a JAR licence, the CAA only charged me one issue fee! will wonders ever cease??

[Meeb]

It is is only the initial issue of a UK ATPL which will cease after June this year. It will still be possible to renew a UK licence anytime after that.

Wet Power, it really is up to you, but the JAA one is the future, and it offers greater opportunities.

[StressFree]

Get a CAA ATPL to fly the flag??? WHY - are you proud of the UK CAA? Proud to have been ripped off for everything you have ever had from them. Sounds a load of old pants to me.

:)

------------------
'Keep the stress down'

[RAFAT]

Good point StressFree.