Non-JAA CPL(H)
The holder of a current and valid* CPL(H) issued in
accordance with ICAO Annex 1 by a non-JAA State
may be issued with a JAR-FCL CPL(H) providing the
experience requirements of JAR-FCL 2.155(b) and (c)
have been met.
Applicants' must:
• Hold a valid JAR-FCL Class 1 medical certificate.
• Undertake CPL(H) theoretical knowledge
instruction as determined by the Head of Training
of an approved training provider and pass ALL of
the JAR-FCL theoretical knowledge
examinations at CPL(H) level. Applicants who
wish to attempt examinations at a higher level
(i.e. ATPL(H) level) must undertake the full 650
hour course of approved theoretical knowledge
instruction and pass ALL of the JAR-FCL
theoretical knowledge examinations at ATPL (H)
level.
• Undertake flying training as determined by the
Head of Training of a Flight Training Organisation
approved to conduct CPL(H) modular flying
training courses, sufficient to obtain the pre-entry
Form 170A and pass the CPL(H) Skill Test (in
accordance with Appendices 1 and 2 to JAR-FCL
2.170) with a CAA Flight Examiner;
• Qualify for the issue of a UK Flight Radio
Telephony Operator’s Licence – Section B refers.
* The holder of an ICAO CPL(H) that is not current and
valid will be required to complete the full CPL(H)
modular flying training course.
So if you are going for the CPL, make sure you study the JAA CPL theory while away so you can come back and just take the exams through an accomodating school, (if you want ATPL you have to do a full course) and then train as required to pass the 170A and skills test at a flight school. Getting used to flying in UK airspace and with UK charts can take longer for some than others.
If you came back really knowing your stuff and only wanting like for like then you could get it all done in a couple of months perhaps. If you want the option of the ATPL and IR within 3 years then it would take longer.
Oh and just make sure any flying done in the states meets all the experience requirements for the JAR licence also detailed in LASORS