Just to throw another variable into the equation though...
The reason I'm looking at taking this route is nothing to do with total time. It's to do with getting time off work. Even if I do a CPL first, I'd still need 45 hours, minimum, to do a JAR IR. How many weeks would I need to take off work for that? And what would be the chances of my boss agreeing?
On the other hand, I could do an IMC rating flying weekends. Then I could take 3 weeks off work and get an FAA IR. After that, take a 6 month break, then 3 weeks off to convert to a JAR IR. The total time doesn't actually concern me - I'm more concerned about how practical it is to do the required training.
Everyone has different requirements, that's what makes the whole thing so interesting. The only thing anyone can do is get all the facts, then decide which of the options suits their personal situation best - there is no single answer which will work for everyone.
FFF
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