The standard of training in the States is excellent…if,… you want to complete the final stages of your training to FAA standards. Training is first class and as good, and in some areas better than here. We don’t have loads of US reg aircraft falling out the sky, so this must be the case!!
Fact is that you CAN’T complete a JAA IR in the States so,…end of debate.
PLEASE…, do not decry the quality of US training, it is excellent and fine for those who whish to obtain an FAA ATPL. It is also VERY useful for those of us from the UK who wished to learn basics, build hours, complete ratings etc. It stops there however. NOT because training standards are in ANY way inferior, but because they are geared to, and carried out in US airspace and FAA regs.( The reverse would apply to US pilots training over here…who wouldn’t because of cost, pathetic attitudes to GA and,… the CAA!)
Your CPL should be done where you intend to do your IR, FAA or JAA The two ratings go hand in hand, your CPL training gives you loads of experience which you will fall back on in your IR training.
Go into your flight training with an open mind and some knowledge and you can combine US and UK training to your financial adventage Paddy!
Good luck