It is not a JAA requirement to hold a MEP Class Rating prior to commencing the IR course. However, it has long been the poilicy of the UK CAA that all training for the MEP is completed prior to the commencement if any IR training. This policy has now been adopted by the JAA and is included in NPA-FCL 1-19, published last week. Once this NPA is adopted, all schools will be required to do it that way.