Originally Posted by
rudestuff
How much longer?! Firstly try to get away from thinking that modular takes longer, it is often the case but isn't a rule. Flight training takes as long a it takes. If you want to do things quickly then modular is quicker and if you want to do things slowly then modular is slower - because you have the flexibility to train at your own speed.
You asked so I'll answer.
In Europe a CPL/IR requires 200 hours in aeroplanes (with a few credits for other licences held). Aeroplanes are pretty expensive in Europe and the weather is often unreliable meaning training is often long and expensive.
In the US, a Commercial/instrument pilot certificate (part 61 ~ modular) requires 250 hours as a pilot with 100 hours in powered aircraft and 50 hours in airplanes.
In the popular flight training places, the weather is more reliable, meaning you can get a PPL in 4 weeks, IR in 4 weeks, hour build 25 hours per week etc..
Straight away you can see the loophole: in the US you can credit far more flight time as long as its got an N-number [part 61.51(j)]. This includes helicopters, gliders, hot air balloons and powered parachutes.
Also, simulated instrument flight time with a safety pilot is considered a two pilot operation, meaning that two pilots can log the same flight under certain circumstances. Flight training for flight instructor can be done concurrently with commercial - meaning that if you structure your training effectively you can take your commercial flight test in thy morning and your CFI test in the afternoon. In the US (on the right visa) you can work as a flight instructor until you have the 1500 hours necessary for an ATP certificate, whilst concurrently studying for the European exams. A good school could have you at CFI in 6-9 months, meaning in 2 years you can go from zero to 1500 hours. At that point you could convert to a European licence in 10-15 hours or possibly stay in the US as try for a regional FO position, subject to immigration rules. Plenty of people do to the US as a flight instructor, get married and stay to fly jets!
Do you have any advice for a CAA PPL(A) holder on the cheapest method to obtain CPL-ME-IR.
My plan was IMC rating - CBIR - Hour build outside the UK/cost share - CPL - ME - ME/IR conversion.
I’ve no idea if I want to work in the USA need a visa), or EU (no visa required) or stay in UK. I feel staying on a CAA licence is too limiting.