I thought the same but according to JAR FCL all L models require individual differences training which I can understand to a certain degree but where there are possibly only 2 UK registered L4's based in the UK it makes it difficult to source for training.
How have you reached this conclusion? With respect to an aircraft, the regs refer to Make, Model and Variant.
Make: Bell
Model: B206
Variant: Jetranger or Longranger
The Jetranger and the Longranger are variants of the B206, and the differences are important (start systems, fuel boost pumps, loading, AUW etc). Having to do extra training to go from a Longranger L to an L1 or L3 would make little sense. It is essentially the same aircraft. The minor differences should be covered in pre-flight planning for any given flight (performance, weight etc).
All Jetrangers count as one variant, all Longrangers count as one variant EACH.
Where does it say this? I'm reading the quoted regs and don't see such a narrow definition of "variant".
TT