> JAA PPL = Joint Aviation Authorities Private Pilots License. Allows you fly your own plane around. You cannot make any monet from it though it can only be to fly yourself and maybe a few friends around. To earn monet you need a CPL - see below.
> JAA ATPL = Joint Aviation Authorities Airline Transport Pilots License = You can take command of an aircraft i.e you are the captain. You get this after 1500 hours minimum.
> F/ATPL = 'Frozen' Airline Transport Pilots License. There's no such thing its the nickname for the basic requirement to fly a passenger aircraft. This comprises of a CPL/IR with the 14 ATPL theory exams under your belt. You may also need to do an MCC course (multi crew co-operation).
> IR = Instrument Rating. Allows you fly an aircraft using instruments when its not possible to use visibility i.e there are thick clouds
> CPL = Commercial Pilots Licence. You can fly and earn money which i assume most of us would like to do!
All the best
Arpan