exactly right, you go to the states and do your vfr phase finishing with a cpl in the seneca (not a physical CPL, just the bit of paper) obviously overrides the need to have a ppl?? then back to oxford and get an IR. cpl + multi ir = fATPL. you dont need a ppl if you have to fATPL. but dont forget, you dont get to exercise the privelage of your licence till you have it in your paw and have signed it. its the way it works and every FTO has to abide by the same pain in the arse rules. so ya, no ppl but a nice shiny fATPL instead, much better to go to your local flying club with that and ask to take a 172 for an hour round the sky isnt than with your PPL!?!