FAA Vs. JAA
Having taken (and still teach) both the FAA and JAA Skills tests they are both just different. The FAA is more geared toward A/C handling where the JAA is more toward navigation, and all around piloting skills. Visual General Handling (upper air work) on the FAA is more difficult but the JAA incorporate an Instrument GH section witch is much harder than the FAA. The FAA seem less concerned about Pilotage and Dead reckoning on the navigation and without a little extra training somebody passing the FAA check ride would find the JAA a little difficult.