Cold Canuck, after being with AAI for a few years, I am no longer there, I can tell you a little about the Jar validation process.
You're right, AAI takes care of your Icelandic validation. However, about 14 months ago, the Icelandic Air pilot's union was trying to get some of their pilots picked up by AAI. Icelandic Air had just laid off a number of f/os who were qualified on the 75/76. There was a big to do between AAI and the union, the net result was that the Icelandic Air union didn't like the fact an Icelandic company (AAI) was hiring expats when their pilots were out of work. They did a little snooping and found out the number of AAI pilots who were working on validations that were in their 4th or 5th renewal. The Icelandic Air union approached the ICAA and didn't get anywhere, so they went to the JAA authorities. That's when the problems started. Right now there is a big investigation going on into the relationship of AAI and the ICAA.
I know when AAE started up, the UK CAA was willing to give a limited number of validations with the understanding the validations were only for a year and at the end of the year either a JAA or UK CAA license was obtained. However, that was all called off after a number of unsatisfactory check rides with the UK CAA watching.
Best of luck at AAI. Be prepared to leave your license in Canada where it will be safe.....
