thanks alot for the advice everyone. much appreciated!
So, building multi time in the states may be useful from a training/experience standpoint, but not so cost effective when the goal is primarily to build hours (and have fun, of course). thanks for that tip, however, i may still do some time in a twin while im out there,just to get a feel for it, and may even get my Multi rating while im there (still cheaper than UK!) - isnt the multi rating accomplished with only a handful of hours with an instructor?
With regards to the ATPL (UK) - if i was to do the theory in the UK, exams and all, and then do the rest of my training ( IR, CPL, MCC) in the US, how does the license conversion work? by that my mean ATPL UK > ATP US, with the intention of utilising these licenses stateside.
While on the topic of ATPL theory, has anyone done this ( ideally the 'distance learning' method) and could shed some light on the level of complexity, and what you did to remain focused through the study and exams, while working?