The FAA have a much quicker, cheaper and user friendly system than CASA.
For a type rating on a FAA license is on the spot. The FAA check pilot (like our ATO's) will have 3 copies (one for you,one for the checky and one for the FAA) of a temporary licence already pre-set for pass or fail, if you pass he/she signs it and hands it to you, meanwhile your actual licence will be reprinted and sent out to you in 10 business days at the latest. In other words, that piece of paper is a temporary licence and it will suffice for use in the interim.
Come back home to CASA it will be at least a 3 week wait.
The equivalence to our AIP's in the states cost $24.99 and can be purchased at a book store (like our dynmocks) any where in the US, not from just pilot shops.
The FAA structure with regards to licensing is different to ours on all levels and in my own opinion is more user friendly from the PPL to ATPL levels.
Just have a look on their website and notice how easy it is to obtain information. It's been like that for many years....Or go to our CASA website and see how long it has been to organise our regs...20 years and still counting
Anyhow, ladies and gentleman have a good day
