From AOPA
 

Gold plating? - Third Country Type Ratings

The CAA is committed to no gold plating and the existing Aircrew Regulation 1178 in Article 8 (5) enables the CAA to issue a type rating to a pilot who currently hold a valid type rating from a third country. However in article 8(5) there is the permissive use of the word "May" which can also mean May not!

The ultimate decision resides with the U.K. DfT on the use of May or May not but we would like to hear from any pilot who would benefit from the positive adoption of this article.

If you would like the CAA to issue you a type rating based on the one you currently hold please let me know by email to [email protected]. Your support on this issue will be vital to the decision the DfT takes and could save some Pilots a significant amount of money if the DfT make the right decision.