This is a problem with the JAA system...whereby pilots tend to go out, hour build, get the CPL and then the IR.
Under the FAA system it is far more common to get the PPL, get an IR then get the CPL. The reason behind this is that several years ago the FAA realised that the best rating a pilot could get after the initial PPL was an IR. There used to be a 200Hr TT stipulation before being able to get the IR, which was revised down to 130hrs then dropped completely. The studies showed that pilots were killing themselves burning holes in the sky trying to build hours towards the magic 200 needed for the IR or the magic 250 needed to get the FAA CPL. Once the TT minima was dropped, fatalities dropped significantly. (people weren't pushing the edge of the envelope to get their hours)
I would totally recommend getting the IR BEFORE getting the CPL if you can. If you have the ATPLs out of the way then there is nothing stopping you.
I think the JAA examination system should be more modular so you can "bolt on" additional exams, that way a PPL can then take the IR and exams, fly around for a while, then take the CPL (CPL exams) fly around for a while, then take the ATPL exams. Seems to make sense.
Cheers
EA
