Just noticed this:
JAA ATPL exams - depending on the number of hours you have on your FAA licence, you may or may not be exempt the classroom element. You may have to enrol with a groundschool but I don't know of any 8 month "wait". It may take you 8 months to get through the 14 exams but there is no minimum time.
The FTO owner said that the 8 months is a minimum requirement that the Gov't set so you don't 'rush' through the program.
Having been a flight instructor in the states (900hr TT) , i'm pretty up to date on the knowledge areas and pretty much only gotta study the Regulations (or so i figure.)
If there's a way i can skip the 8 months waittime i'd be very greatful.