1981, under JAR we don not have a silly rule where your sic times is only counted as half (why should it, were you only there for half of the time?).
Therefore, 200 hours plus 3 years of 900 hours a year would equal 2900 hours of which 2700 is on that type and you would be holding an ATPL too.
I thought the guy should at least hear another point of view from someone who has done the contract flying thing and then come back to the UK.
Ok, SC I didn't know that. Valuable information for me too. That's why these forums are so good; we can all be prepared to learn something.
One thing though, I think there is a career in contracts for those who want one and I know plenty of 'older' pilots doing just that. Horses for courses mate. I personally don't miss UK lifestyle and don't miss 40% taxes either.