To JAAIR or Not to JAAIR......
Howdy folks!!!
The article in the mag stated that if you get a FAA-IR then you automatically qualify for the IMC rating so I presume that means that you can fly in IMC outside CAS in a G-reg aircraft.
The problem with the JAA-IR is that you have to do the same groundschool as someone hoping to fly commercially and take a similar test. You have to learn about INS/IRS/EFIS and weather radar etc etc. Most of which is absolutely no use or interest to the Private IR pilot. You MUST attend a compulsory groundschool 'refresher' and follow an approved theory course the cheapest of which in the UK is about £1200 and will cost you 3 weeks of holiday leave PLUS exam costs and accomodation.
This is the advantage of the FAA system over JAA. Cheaper flying/instruction costs and exam questions that are in the public domain(plus oral) with self study as an option.
Drawback being N-reg aircraft only for your IFR flying.
An mag article also specluted that France was to ban N-reg aircraft from it's airspace but how legal that would be since it is an ICAO Contracting state I can only guess.
There is a school that I think does a JAA approved PPL/IR theory distance learning course based in Bournemouth called GTS.
The theory seems to be a big stumbling block for many. Why on earth would you want to learn about B737 EFIS and FMS/INS systems if you intend to fly and IFR equipped PA-28R or C206?????
If you could do a more relevant IR theory course and convert aFAA IR in 15 hrs everyones a winner.
The JAA have made the possibility of a JAA PPL-IR very very difficult. It is interesting that they have no legal basis whatsoever as they are not part of the EU and have been 'adopted' by the various JAA states. Hopefully when EASA eclipses them it will be more friendly to the private flyer instead of being more interested in commercial aviation. However on first impressions this sadly does not seem to be the case. (Mode S and megabucks insurance threatening to keep us out of the air).
Private fliers need an EU wide organisation dedicated to preserving the private individuals right(or priviledge) to take to the air.
What do you think?????????????????
Regards
Tropo
Happy New Year to you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!