I had to go through more or less the same system as the CAA's to get my IAA AMEL pre-JAR66. I'm sick of this CAA is the best! Alot of people have their heads stuck up their own ****.
NOW, the Examination and experience requirements are the very same for each member state, The only problem was with grandfather rights, as there was so many different Licenceing systems to come together as one, there was alot of issues and differences.
Under the new system however, "everyone" has to pass all the required modules as laid done by EASA PART66 and have a minimum of 5 years experience. This minimum experience level can be reduced dependant on your background.
A CAA issued PART66 Licence now is the same as any other, Older licnece holders who converted theirs might have had a harder path, but things have changed. HOW many PART66 "A" licensed engineers who's Licensed are issued by the CAA under protected rights have done CAA exams? Who cares!!! There is a system in place and when all us older chaps leave the game, everyone will have the very same and everyone will forget about this "MY LICENCE IS BETTER THAN YOUR LICENCE"
Oh and one last punch, 5 years to become an engineer thats what about 4 1/2 years longer than a pilot.
DO YOU TRUST YOUR PILOT????