Hi all, I have been reading prune for a while and feel I have something to contribute to this chat.
I have worked in France for a few years as A C and X certifier and think I have learned a few things.
I agree that it is not a level playing field, the CAA have got on with JAR 66 in my opinion but as usual taken it to the extreme. I have heard on more than one occassion that a manufacturers course will not be accepted. Also the fees we are paying are disgusting.
A colegue with a Scandanavian Licence just did a staight conversion. No fees no bull just handed his licence in for the first of June and got the new one back. I understand that this licence was fairly well aligned to the current JAA set up though.
With regard to the French system I dont know where Giles got his licence but my French colegues cant get one and are livid with the DGAC over it. These guys have got the French equivilent of ALEA involved but are still waiting on the outcome.
Their opinion is that the DGAC has been stalling for years due to pressure from AF.Also there is no exam proccess set up yet for new engineers.
Would be gratefull to Giles if he would coment on this as its not eurobashing just saying what I understand