Does anyone know WHY all this bureaucracy was introduced? Back in 2006 I just showed up at White Waltham, flew an hour with an instructor, got signed off, and flew solo. I didn't need to do any paperwork at all, other than showing them my FAA license and medical.
Even France doesn't require all this. At one time you just visited the local DGAC office (FSDO equivalent), paid them a bit less than 100 Euros, filled in a form, and you were good to go. Now they require validation from the FAA so you have to wait a few weeks. But you don't have to do exams, produce certified copies of your logbook, etc.