I'm currently studying for my ATPL's and working in the US as a commercial pilot.
The FAA written exams are not particularly hard to pass and get great scores, all it really takes is buying one of the question books (or an online version now) and learning the answers. There are between 900 and 1400 questions in the bank for each test, so rote learning is not really a problem. I personally don't think that this is a great system for obvious reasons and have tried to actually take in as much as is possible.
Having said that, the information provided by the FAA for you to learn (apart from perf. data for ATP pt 121 written) seems to be fairly relevant and useful....provided you do actually learn it!
With the written exam in hand you complete a practical test with a significant oral section (which focuses on the questions you got wrong in your written, from subject codes on the written certificate). Then a check ride as usual. The oral and check ride do certainly take a large amount of proper learning compared with the written exams.
It seems that the JAA info is extremely in depth and from what i have looked at so far (only a few of the sections) probably a little over the top. However, it is no bad thing to know too much especially if this is to be your chosen career.
So it might seem like a lot of work to get them but a broad basis of knowledge is a good thing.
I cannot comment on JAA check rides as I have not taken any but I've heard the flying standard is fairly similar. With similar hour requirements I would expect this to be the case.
So, is it easier to get FAA licences? The answer is probably yes, the workload is certainly more for the JAA.
Will you use ALL of the ATPL theory throughout your career? Probably not but no correct knowledge is bad knowledge (and some of it will definitely be useful).
Are FAA pilots inferior in any way? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!
Good luck to everyone either system you choose! Doing both is...ummm.....
a) A Bitch
b) Extremely enjoyable
c) 25.3 NM
d) A necessary evil
(Answers on a postcard)
Last edited by Jez_G; 3rd Jun 2007 at 23:00.