Thanks FFF,
The IR bit does seem to swing it toward the ATPL's depending on the answer to the next question.
Although I'm not worried about the fATPL, the IR might be worth going for at some stage in the future. So if the ATPL ground exams cover the IR ground exams then it seems logical to do them. However, is there a time limit on the validity of the IR exams? I fully expect to complete the CPL flying within the 36 month period, but there's no way I could afford the IR in the same time frame. An FIR would also take preferance over an IR so I can't see me doing the IR for a number of years yet (if at all). If there is a time limit then once again the CPL looks better value in my circumstances. Bear in mind it's not just the 200 or 300 sqids difference, but the longer consolidation courses and extra exam fees, time, ect. It would also be interesting to know that, say you took the ATPL's and failed the extra ones over the CPL, could you still qualify as a CPL? I know this sounds defeatest and whilst I have no intention of failing any exams I take ... it's just an interesting thought?
SS