Quote:
(6) Enrol with an ATPL distance-learning course GBP 1100
(7) Convert the FAA IR to JAA GBP 3500
(8) Convert the FAA CPL to JAA GBP 1000
(9) Do an MCC course GBP 1500
in all my experience i have yet to find anyone who has converted an ICAO IR to a JAR IR for 3500. The test fee is 640quid, the ac hire about another 800quid and that is just for the test, let alone the required training before sitting the IR. (please remember to get a CPL/IR in the UK it must be a multi engine if you intend to join a flight crew of ME aircraft (SE commercial operations are not allowed at night here)
Also not to be sceptical but where is a distance learning course for 1100,(there are 14 exams at almost 70quid an exam plus travel to and from a test centre, a CPL for 1000 (again the test fee is 600quid + ac hire etc..approaches and landings) and an MCC course for 1500 WHERE ??
also i think you have forgotten to add accommodation and living expenses on to all of this, which is likely to take over a year (the ATPLs can take upto 1 year), plus living costs for the residentials at the school in question for the compulsery brush up courses, plus travel, plus for the IR in uk airspace, approach fees, landing fees etc etc (as an example an approach and landing for the test centre at bournemouth is approx 67quid, then do the same again for your test and an approach else where... eeeeks..ouch)
I genuinely think that your estimate of 15,000 is quite untrue and if you add up the cost of everything including even travel to and from the US it will surprise you.
I would be interested to see where you get your calculations for the conversions from, would they be certain US school bidding fr your hard earned cash.
also to any estimate, especially at professional level you need to realistically add one third again.
BUT i do stand to be corrected as always
Goodluck TR