As mentioned, Cap 804 states the following regarding the exams -
(d) If the IR(A) has not been revalidated or renewed within the preceding 7 years,
the holder will be required to pass again the IR theoretical knowledge
examination and skill test.
Until now, those airline pilots who did not want to fly single pilot IFR in their spare time just let their multi IR(A) lapse (almost all of us). However, this part of CAP804 implies that only a valid IR(A) within the preceding 7 years will keep the exam passes valid - there is no mention of a valid type rating achieving the same thing - is that just an oversight, or is that somewhere else in a document??
You will return to Europe one day with NOTHING on your licence and you will not even be able to do a type rating because you do not have a valid IR(A) and to get one you will have to do the full course. (How much?!)
Also, the fact that the validity period of the exams is 7 years
from the date of the last check, while for the IR (A) it is 7 years
from the date of expiry is just laughable!!!! Way to make things clear - who writes this $***? Written / proof read by chimps......
This whole thing is such an abuse of power by incompetent people.