1) There is no longer any such thing as a non-approved course. The only way to gain a JAA professional licence is via an approved course of training. If you hold a FAA CPL you will have to pass all (14) of the JAA theoretical knowledge examinations, the CPL Skill Test and The IR Skill Test. Training for the theoretical knowledge and the CPL Skill Test is at the discretion of the Head of Training of the approved organisation you choose. Training for the IR Skill Test will be 50 hours, assuming that you hold an ICAO CPL. Otherwise, it will be 55 hours.
2) How long is a piece of string? Have a look at the FCL website, find out which schools are approved to provide the training that you require and contact them direct.
3) No
Flying hours are flying hours, it doesn't matter whether they are gained in Europe, the USA or on Mars. Whoever has been spreading such rumours is either an idiot or a charlatan.
[This message has been edited by rolling circle (edited 13 April 2001).]