@RVDT: In the "real" world (where flying helicopters is still a good business, and where most of the "experienced" pilots are coming from-the US of A) there is not even such a thing as a stupid "type rating".
At the end, it is a helicopter is a helicopter is a helicopter…
I have been there, i have flown them-and the TR courses in EASA-countries are (in most cases) pure bull**** to justify a high bill at the end!
Anyway:
Regarding his point:
He intends to convert his ICAO ATPL(H) with IR and the type rating (!) to EASA ATPL(H) IR with BK 117 OR EC145 on his new license.
He already passed the 14 exams, and holds an EASA CPL(H) with no valid ratings.
He wants to convert a type rating (MET)=therefor he needs 350 hours on type (which he has on BK117 and EC145 combined-as in the country he is currently flying in, the BK117 and the EC145 is still ONE AND THE SAME rating)…
He´s got a valid question:
He gained his 350 hours in a time when both helicopter were the same rating in EASA too…..
Can he now choose which helicopter to convert (either BK117 or EC145)?
Or does the UK CAA "force" him to start collecting all hours (350) again just because some desk jockey decided that it makes a difference whether the throttles are up on the roof or down on the collective?