It's not immediately clear how someone will obtain credit towards a 'normal'
CPL/IR or an MPL if they hold a CbM IR.....
It's not clear because there is nothing to clarify IMHO. An IR(A) is an IR(A) whether it's obtained through a Modular route, and Integrated route or a Competence-based Modular route. It should be crystal clear that the "CB IR" is a new training route to the IR(A) not a new qualification. Please let's not let this myth slip into the psyche that there is a new IR. It's a competence-based training method for the existing IR.
You can have all the privileges of a CPL/IR having trained through the CB route. The only subtle distinction is that to get an IR(H) you need the HPA exam because the new TK for the CB IR omits certain learning objectives considered relevant.
For multi-pilot aircraft or an ATPL you obviously need the ATPL TK.
The only way I could see it working is if you couldn't hold it on a CPL and
it wouldn't count as a pre course requirement for any type rating. The cross
over experience was 500 hours IFR or 250 hours IFR on a multi engine or
something of that order and held the full set of ATPL theory if you wanted it to
go onto a EASA CPL
I don't think the schools will care if there is a
definite block on a work round skipping the 55/45 hour IR course.
Fortunately, EASA FCL is not primarily about assuring ATOs of artificially long courses. Competence-based training is the principle that the training fits the candidate's needs, not one size fits all. You absolutely can hold a CPL/IR with the IR trained by the CB method.
Having said that, the difference between the CB IR and traditional Modular IR is 15hrs FNPT2 time, so £2-3k
in principle. However, I would imagine most ab-initio candidates seeking a "frozen" ATPL would be better off with the structured approach and full-time training model of a Modular IR. The benefit of the Competence-based is mainly for people who either want to accumulate experience in steps over time, train ad hoc on their own aircraft or who simply can't take 6 weeks off for a Modular course (try asking an ATO if they can fit an IR into you work schedule, mainly training on weekends and on your own aircraft and you will get blank stares from most). Having said that, it's quite likely that one could end up spending more on the CB route in many scenarios (certainly on a fully allocated cost basis if flying one's own aircraft).
It's also analogous to the present Modular vs Integrated. Why doesn't Modular kill-off Integrated, given how much more expensive Integrated is? There are candidates who perceive that Integrated suits their needs better as a training structure and that it will serve their career prospects better. The same view may drive ab-initio pro pilot candidates away from the CB IR. On the other hand, if the airline industry and the trainee pilot community find the CB route is successful, then that's a good thing surely?
The CB IR makes little difference to the attractions of the FAA route for an ab-initio candidate IMHO. The old conversion needed only 10hrs of FNPT2 and 5hrs aircraft training, the difference in the new conversion is that it needs 50hrs PIC time under IFR but conceptually no minimum training. But everyone is going to need some training before an IR Skills Test.
brgds
421C