Snakecharmer,
If you have enough hours I would go for the FAA ATP directly instead of taking the CPL/ME/IR route. Make sure that your hours meet the FAA requirements, try my website
www.passion2fly.com -> Flight Training -> FAA ATP.
Few good things about FAA ATP:
- one written test
- one flight test
- no PPL conversion required
- no VISA required because you don't need flight training nor instructor endorsments for ATP, even though I suggest to get some flight training since you don't seem to have any multi-engine experience.
bad things about FAA ATP:
- much harder than JAA IR (higher standards)
- harder written test (but feasible)
- need to meet the FAA hour requirements (in details !)
If you choose to do the CPL/ME/IR route few good things:
- lower hours requirements
- easier written tests
- easier flight tests
bad things about FAA CPL/ME/IR:
- 2 written tests (CPL+IR)
- 1 or maybe 2 flight tests if you want SE and ME priviledges or "unrestricted" IR
- requires initial PPL conversion
Again, try my website
www.passion2fly.com -> FAA conversions for details on PPL conversion, paperwork, etc ... I've been doing that with JAA pilots for quite a while now ...
good luck my friend ...
