Coming from an FAA perspective I think you have slightly misunderstood the role of the ATPL in Europe, Jason. In the US it is only possible to achieve ATPL groundschool when you have the requisite hours.
Under JAA with ATPL goundschool (14 exams) and CPL/IR I, for example, have a "fozen ATPL" before I have 1500 hours. This may currently be used as a CPL/IR, and when I have the requisite hours will become an ATPL.
If you wished to do a CPL and IR without ATPL exams you would actually have to sit 18 exams before the licence and rating! Before the CPL there would be 9 exams, and a furter 9 before the IR. Having a CPL gives no concessions on the IR exams, and vice versa, even teh Human Performance exam which is the same paper!
As you already have an ICAO licence you can take the course now (need not be a UK PPL - I only ever had an FAA PPL until my UK CPL). I would suggest a distance learning course as FFF is taking. You must sit an approved course (unless you have a given level of experience on your US licence - check with the CAA. If so you will still have to pass the exam, but can study as much or little as required) which if distance learning includes a couple of two-week classroom-learning courses.
Email me as in my profile if you have any other querries.
Last edited by Send Clowns; 22nd June 2002 at 10:54.