Ok then, of the 20 or so flyer starters, it took 6 months for 8 of them to get the exams. Some still haven't got them all or even started flying training.
Oh, do read my posts:
10 of us chose to do the exams last summer, most in 2 hits ie 8 weeks study.
I knocked them off in June/August with an average score of just under 94% and in the group there were very few fails: To the extent that CATS took out a strap Ad on the flyer website offering congratulations.
Most did not bother with the manuals , though there were a couple of existing sets of manuals passed down on a free 'hand-me-down' basis. I
did get the manuals because I have problems learning 'off screen'.
Those that haven't completed the exams/started the flying training are doing it this way from choice: they have work/family/financial commitments and it suits to leave one exam (the p*ss easy IFRCOM) till last which allows a three year stopwatch to do the flying to start.
I think we are broadly in agreement that getting the FAA/IR in some situations is less hassle but brings with it potential problems.
I think we also agree that the proposed simplified EASA PPL/IR would be most welcome.
If I was 35 again I'd probably wait for that. Just now, though time ain't on my side........
Cusco