Avrodamo,
Basically, yes. True, things are a little different in the UK but all of the differences mentioned above can be self-taught on the ground by Trevor Thom etc. There's absolutely no need to spend hours in the aircraft to familiarise yourself with the "technicalities."
I agree you'll need some time "on type" but only enough to make you safe/comfortable. Just watch that nosegear, it bends very easily.
With regards to the weather differences I'm afraid I'm with NIMBUS on this one. I fly to the US almost every week and other than Southern California it's far more severe and unpredictable than we ever see in Europe.
Best Regards,
Shanny
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