Originally Posted by
flyme273
As mentioned, its the Competency-based IR. A relatively new European rating that allows en-route use of Airways and in IMC. Requires quite a lot of training. Not intended to allow approaches/ Star /Sid and that's where the problem arises. Having arrived at destination what is the CB-IR pilot intended to do? With a Garmin magic box and coupled auto-camel the route to a safe landing is obvious. Flyme.
This is completely wrong. There is only one 'full' EASA IR and one EASA IR test. There are actually 8 ways to get in a position to take the EASA IR test and CB 'routes' account for 3 of them. Think modular Vs integrated - it's the same licence.
Depending on which route you follow, you can take anywhere from 0 to 14 exams - (yes, you can get an EASA IR with zero exams!) Most will still take all 14 exams if they're planning on going 'all the way'.