any difference? it is just slightly different to fly in the USA than in Europe.It is not easier or harder...(it is just more expensive in Europe...very expensive)
I give you an example: in the USA, you receive lot of radar vectors and clearance, and you have to stick with this clearance and no to deviate at all cost (except for emergency), or the FAA will bust your a#$.
Many EU pilots come to USA and think they can fly they way they want. They go in deep trouble once back on the ground. Investigation from the FAA for not altitude/heading respected or they don't acknowledge on radio or reply too late specially when you have 100 pilots on the radio in very busy airspace....
in the other hand, flying in Europe is more like flying a flight simulator and going to a point A to B without any assistance.
Radar controller is here to tell you if there is a traffic' conflict but most of the time you are clear with your plan (in the USA due to traffic congestion they change frequently approach/ILS,...), and you have to follow full approaches ( holding, procedure turn outbound, intercepting NDB course,...). So flight schools in UK are really maniac on NDB holds and some guys struggle with that.Specially when you have 20-30 knots X-wind right above the UK airports.
I can not tell you what is best, cuz nothing replace experience and flying in full IMC is more than just knowledge or having a license.
A good software to train on NDB is RANT. I use it before simulator session and it really helps wherever you fly.
Last edited by dartagnan; 9th November 2007 at 08:55.