Absolutely true DA50driver. There is nothing to gain by learning the JAR way, but rather tons of money to lose. And as pointed out JAR requires that you know lots of crap to pass your theory. Unfortunately for all of us in JAR country the idea of flight is different to the US. Just try getting an IR-rating for a PPL. You need to know the Boeing 737 EFIS, FMS and all.
This is purely designed to hinder private individuals from flying under IMC and provides nothing to the ATPL student. He'll learn all these things at the TR course for the type he's going to fly.
From what I've heard it's the frenchs' fault - they wanted to prohibit IR in combination with PPL - what good have they ever done for flight in Europe?
