Well you learn something new everyday, a check ride is a skills test. Personally I think's that's pure bollocks, never heard it used like that in my 2 years of training or in the 2 years I worked as an instructor. And the last 5 years flying the line.
The logging of his hours will be for his JAA CPL so has cock all to do with FAA.
Right lets start another JAA, FAA debate. If I say tyres are usually black no doudt the FAA guys will say they are white and white tyres are so much better than JAA black ones.