Hi all, many thanks for your honest feedback, I was begining to think that it might actually work out! I guess I have to decide now whether this is going to work or not and it sounds like, of all things, its going to be the language that is the sticking point (ironically it would actually be easier for me to go and fly in France, where I cannot speak the language at all!).
I will try to get some further clarification from CASA before I post my full application. If I have only until April to sort this out then I am unlikely to have enough time for multiple back and forths by post and certainly no time for changes to be made to my license by the CAA!
Tool8, which form is it you downloaded for proof of ELP?
172Driver, thanks for your help so far, your time is not being wasted and it certainly appreciated! I'll try to get some info from the instructors out there about which airfields require an ID to get airside, unless you're familiar with the ones around Sydney?