So why is the B206 the only single approved for IR in the JAA? If it's possible for FTOs abroad to do it in IR equipped R22's, then why not in Europe? Any specific reason or just beaurocracy?
It is because the Bell 206 is approved for IFR flight in IMC in accordance with the manufactures type certificate when equipped with required equipment.
An R-22 is not and has never been approved for flight in IMC conditions.
Now the JAA does not allow passenger transport flights to be performed in single engine helicopters in accordance with JAR-OPS 3 so this is why a 206 is not generally used for IFR work in Europe.
However the 206 can and is sometimes approved for IFR, by JAA authorities, unlike most other single engine helicopters.
Itīs a type certificate thing!