1) As pilots what changes would you like to see to the European system of flight crew licencing?
- All I want is full JAA. I still have problems as JAA-resident to put some silly stamps on a JAA-licence issued by a JAA-country by another JAA-country (silly isn't it?). Medical visits are not recognised yet. For the moment I don't see any change - pityfull...
2) Has the changes from the national system been benificial?
- I don't know - have done all my training since 'fresh' implementation of the JAA - but yes, JAA permits to be more 'mobile' and get out of your country, something I really appreciate. And OK, I'm now JAA licenced, I thought the job-market to be full of opportunities but no... language is often a barrier in recruiting processes.
3) Do you think that the JAA system has been implemented fairly and equally among all the countries that have signed up? (please no xenophobia)
- Yes surely, but JAA-reglementation is still mixing up with the old one, leading to loads of confusions. 'In the old days' reglementation was already difficult: there was FAA, ICAO and all other independant countries with their own CAA - now there is JAA with it - so difficulties still persist...
4) Should countries that have signed up initiate a National PPL system? If so why?
- It's sad to see local PPL-holders don't even dare to cross the borders of their own country - JAA stands for 'joint' aviation: borders do still exist (just filing the flightplan is 'mission into the unknown' for PPL's, never done that I presume) and language is still a problem... The primary mission of the JAA - I think - is to put everything on the same level, meaning maximum flexibility for flying and getting your licences where you want it... Please explain me the benefits of the National PPL-system then? Are we going backwards or what?
5) Was there enough consultation with airlines and chief pilots before the implementation? If not would more communication help?
- I would tend to repeat the story of the Iceland-guy just above... It seemed like we were completely left behind by the flying school itself - I don't know how they got their FTO-recognition as all ATPL-theory lessons were still based on the old system - the certificates-test was a really bad surprise and my prom' really got the impression to be used as guinea pigs... And of course the flying school was not happy with us as well as the training got delayed and thought we did it on purpose... What saved us was that overall results (France) were so poor that some measures were taken (2nd pass allowed and green light to continue your CPL-IR/ME training without full ATPL theory in the pocket! Imagine!).
About the JAA - "communication":
I happen to learn a lot more by reading FAQ's and forums questions than reading that old-style-reglementation-airlaw which only lets me pass that "010" you see. Sum the things up clearly next time and who knows... every-one will 'once' love JAA because it's oh so clear like cristal water compared to the old-fashioned system (/end rant)