I have a question along the same lines. I have an Australian ATPL. If my company sends me to the US to do a type rating, how can I add this to my aussie licence? I have heard that it cannot be done, unless you have a FAA CPL/ATPL. You get the type rating added to that licence, and then you take that to CASA, they recognise it, and put it on your aussie one. Is this true or part of the usual aviation old wives tale club?