It is not a question which is better JAA or FAA. They just have a different filosofies thats all. I have flown many years with FAA licence and have not had problems flying outside US. Europe being no exception to this rule.
The total lack of understandin from JAA towards people that have an FAA licence is evident and approaching discrimination.
I would uderstand this position if EU was actively supporting General Aviation as a viable source of future airline pilots. But unfortunately this is not the case.
More often than not GA in Europe is hit with ever more increasing fule prices, noise complaints and taxes.
More GA airports are being in the process of being closed without a thought given as to where to locate schools airplanes and small companies after closure.
Thats what pisses me off. I didnīt have a viable option when I decided to go for pilot training. I could not afford it in Europe but in US I could. Still If I had to do it allover again I would invest into a EU school.
See if you add the cost of a JAA licence on what you spend in US for living and schooling it comes to about the same. This ofcourse depends on the school you go to.
JJ