FAA ATP - additional rating (141 appendix I)

[rudestuff]

I am a heli pilot. I have everything I need to get an ATP airplane - except 250 hours PIC airplane.
All the Google searches bring up issues of PIS/US etc for FO's wanting to upgrade etc, so thought I'd ask here. I've read the regs, and just wanted some opinions on my interpretation...

Part 61.159 requires 250 PIC airplane. (I have 75)

Part 141 appendix E (ATP course) requires that you meet part 61.159 requirements, however....

Part 141 appendix I (additional category/class) says that the course must be 25 hours, BUT makes no reference to part 61.159

In my position, it would actually work out cheaper to get my ATP on the helicopter then do a 25 hour course, than pay for another 175 hours in an airplane, IF appendix I is a way to avoid 61.159!! The problem is, the FSDO said it depends on what's authorised in the course, and I can't find anywhere that offers it!