Yes, it is not fair to blame the FW lot, but it was so very convenient at the time.
- The JAA do not prohibit the use of SE for IR(H) trg.
So true.
But of course the relevant training helicopter has to be certified for flight in IMC, IFR certified. That means some type of turbine helicopter=expensive stuff. It makes no sense to me that it costs more to get an IR(H) than it is to get the CPL(H) the JAA way.
That is what the heli training market is confronted with, expensive aircraft for basic IR training resulting in fewer pilots going IR.
I think that the CAA will have no problem with building a regulatory frame around IR heli training in single-engine piston helicopters not certified for flight in IMC, at least they have come up with all kind of good reg's for us and I have a strong belief in them. This is how it was done just a few years ago and I can't see why it can't be done anymore?
Heli-Ice