IO540,
Why limit the topic to N reg aircraft. The debate about non-European registered aircraft applies to Lybian, Iraqi, Iranian, Outer Mongolian and every other ICAO country. So this is not a N register issue (unless you would like some discrimination).
The CAA does off er an IR appropriate to the PPL. It is a qualification that enables the pilot to operate safely under IFR in Europe and the rest of the world. It meets the same minimum standards as every other user of the International IFR system. It is the minimum standard that is accepted by other states. If you want to simply fly IFR within the UK and outside the airway system then operate using an IMC rating.
Can't comment on the BRS debate.
An audiogram is required to fly IFR because if you can't hear the radios, you can't hear the idents or can't hear clearances then you can't fly safely under IFR. The only medical that includes an audiogram is the Class 1. The alternative is to make an audiogram part of the Class 2 medical but I expect that there would be plenty of objections to that.
The CAA does not accept an initial Type Certificate for a new type automatically. The JARs wre designed to make roads towards comonality but progress takes time. It follows then that the CAA would not automatically accept a Suplementary Type Certificate.
I agree that the CAA's system for dealing with minor mods has problems. The problems however are not simply that you need to put time, effort and money into obtaining approval for a mod that has already been approved by the FAA, but that (unlike the US system) having spent that time and money, any other person can then have a free ride on your effort and do the same to their aircraft at considerable less expense.
None of the above answers the only compelling reason for a change in the system that applies to resident non-European aircraft - security.
If as previously said, people don't do it to save money, don't do it to cut corners on maintenance and don't do it to avoid safety requirements. Then why pay for something that legally you will never own.
Mr Big pays a shed load to purchase an expensive item that they will never legally own.......wouldn't the local police take an interest in what seems to be an "unusual" way of disposing of a large wad of cash?
Furthermore, the press would have a field day with GA if they found one pilot that had beed refused a UK medical but continued to fly in the UK using an FAA license. GA does not need coverage like that.
Regards,
DFC