Hi Guys
To answer the last 2 questions.
As far as I can remember, was a long time ago, all we had to write, examwise for the ATPL conversion was Japanese airlaw, other exams were the type technical and radio licence. Sufficient (and more) preparation was given by the company for them. Sim checks consisted of 2 rides (for non type rated), the type rating check and then the ATPL check. Both were with JCAB inspectors b ut, once again, more than enough sim prep provided.
For the Aussie guys, commuting mostly with QF, some guys live in the smaller towns, commuting includes tickets to these towns. Lifestyle is very much a personal thing but the companies, both AJX and AJV, are quite flexible and will try to accomodate individual pregerences as much as possible.
For now AJV is the only company taking on DEC's, AJX only F/O's