Originally Posted by pilotho
hey guys,
about to get my PPL if the uk weather permits!
anyway, after the training i would like to get more ratings, although i dont really get the difference with IR and IMC rating.
if i have an IR rating would that mean i could fly in IMC anyway and wont need to do IMC training? or do i need IMC before i can actually start IR training?
Perhaps the first thing to say is that reference to instrument ratings is normally controversial. The writings above demonstrate just that. My advice would be to obtain the PPL and go learn how to fly. When you have 50+ post PPL hours consider an IMC rating. If you obtain an IMC my advice would be go learn how to use it. When you have 250+ post PPL hours consider an IR.
With an IR you can fly a G reg ship anywhere in the world in controlled airspace in any weather. You don't need an IMC to do a IR but it would be helpfull, for practical purposes . Expect to take 12 months to obtain an JAR/IR. As some folk have mentioned perhaps a practical option is the FAA version. This will restrict you to an N reg ship, but will allow you the same privileges as mentioned above. With an IMC you may be able to do the entire thing (FAA rating) in the States in a couple of weeks at a fraction of the cost.
An IMC is a UK rating. It doesn't allow flight into class A but is a very useful rating for the PPL, perhaps I should qualify that and say a 'current' PPL with regular IMC practice.