Just want to say big thanks to everyone who offered advice to me. Am sitting at LAX right now, on the way home, after a fabulous, easy trip to the USA...
After faxing the app to Oklahoma, I was handed over to my nominated FSDO, in Long Beach. I made an appointment, they gave me a brief interview, printed out a licence - free of charge (I'd paid CASA $50 for a letter verifying my details, which they'd faxed to the wrong office!) and called me a taxi to the airport.
The licence is valid for 120 days, and the only condition was that I'd have to do a check-ride from the flight school from which I'd be hiring the a/c.
The USA is an amazing place to fly, with FBOs everywhere providing advice, maps, free coffee (and in one case, popcorn!). ATC take a "hey, we work for you" attitude. The whole country is set up for GA.
Am already planning next trip......
GWAS