Is the ATPL really easier in the UK
The answer is NO. It is more theory than the SA ATPL. Bearing in mind you used to sit the CPL's first then the ATPL's in SA.
Why so many South Africans thinks that the ATPL's are more easier in the UK than SA is because there are a lot more resources availible in the UK compaired to the black and white photocopy notes in SA. But there is nothing that stops a SA student to sign up to an online question bank in the UK or even to buy a set a ATPL notes.