you're only talking 3 extra subjects - you get 7 years to ' activate ' your ATPL by getting the multicrew hours required from the date of your last exam pass. Also, you will need an IR which you get 3 years to complete from your last exam pass ! This is a bastard and totally unfair. If you fail to get your IR in the 36 months, then yep, you have to do all your CPL/IR exams again. Just do the CPL exams - if you're ever at a stage to obtain your ATP then do the extra 3 then. All the answers are in LASORS 2005. Buy an invaluable copy from the HMSO for £12 or go to the CAA website and check it all out there. All the US guys will be laughing their heads off reading this thinking " what a bunch of ******* !! "