Hola Hobbs -
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JAR ATPL headache... I fully understand. My sincere condolences to you. It is now well known by all that indeed, in the past, the US/FAA did not issue at type rating to first officers (nor to flight engineers). For them, a type rating was a "captain" endorsement. Today's FAA issue of "SIC" type ratings simply reflects FAA's effort to comply with ICAO requirements. Nothing in today's FAA first officer certification is any different than before. In the old days, that qualification was in the "company files" of the airline or operator. Now, it is printed on the FAA licence/certificate. No change in the training and aptitude tests.
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I have seen many ICAO licences issued by other countries, many of which were labeled ATPL or CPL, and indicated "pilot in command" or "second in command" besides the type rating(s) listed on the document. So, again, the FAA now applies the same procedure.
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A few years ago, I got a JAR ATPL (for 747 captain position) issued to me on the basis (and simulator test) of my FAA ATPL with 747 rating. It did say "captain 747" on the licence issued. I doubt they would have issued a "captain 747 rating" if I had been a first officer.
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Is a "PIC" or a "SIC" type rating any different. To me, the aircraft technical knowledge/test is same. The training is same, except that (in the 747) a first officer did not have to show proficiency in the simulator to fly a "2 engines OUT approach" or an "emergency descent", and I admit, I was somewhat more lenient for the standards of demonstration of the maneuvers flown by a first officer, as compared to a captain's type rating qualification.
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Do not tell me that a JAR/fATPL "300 hours aviation wonder" getting a 737 type rating is as proficient as a 5000 hours 737 skipper, who has 2000 hours on type. Or... pull my leg. As to your FAA "SIC" type rating is as good as any type rating issued to a first officer, or will you qualify to be captain at the onset...?
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Of course - I know JAR is far more superior to FAA standards. How is it possible that EU skies are not closed to USA airlines such as American or United "cowboys" with questionable "quick and dirty" type ratings issued by the FAA - the Friendly Aeronautical Association" flight clubs...? - Evidently, when you have to suffer 14 separate exams to pass your licence, you have to be better. I recall, my own FAA ATPL was a mere 60 questions and took about 2 hours to complete. Surprised I did retire without an accident or airspace violation.
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Good luck to you, and happy contrails