🛫 Converting an ICAO CPL (MEP/IR) to EASA ATPL (frozen) + EASA logbook questions

[AtplArg]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently in the process of converting my ICAO CPL with MEP and IR (from Argentina) to an EASA ATPL (frozen), and I have a few questions for those who have already gone through this process.

In Argentina, our logbook format is completely different from the EASA one. For example, we don’t record training flights before obtaining the PPL — the first entry is usually the PPL skill test, and from then on we start logging hours.
Under EASA, however, every flight is logged, including pre-PPL flights, listed as Pilot under training. (i think, correct me if i am wrong)

So I’d really appreciate some advice from anyone who’s been through this:

• Did you rewrite your logbook into an EASA-style format, or did you just keep your original logbook and use it alongside a new one?
  
• How was your license conversion process overall?
  
• Is there anything you wish you had known before starting that you think it would be good to know?
  

Also, one more related question about EASA logbook signatures:
In Argentina, every flight entry must be signed — training flights by the instructor, and PIC flights by an ATC officer after verifying the details.
In Europe, do logbook entries also need to be signed (by an instructor or someone else), or is that only required for training flights?
For post-license flights, is it normal to just fill them in yourself without a signature?

Thanks in advance for any help, experiences, or advice you can share.
Safe flights!
— Lucas