Hi,
I'm not debating the value of a standalone cert (I have one, now also includes rotorcraft).
My point is just to make those who wish to go down the simple route of a piggyback licence that there's a potential glitch out there that nobody knows much about.
Orlando FSDO did not have an answer for me - only 'you already have an FAA cert, you don't need to come in'. They refused to see me.
"Still much cheaper than the other way around."
The piggyback system (if you hold a UK licence) costs GBP42 (paid to the CAA, not the FAA!). That's it - so no, getting a standalone FAA cert is much more expensive than that!
Sam.