Mike
We probably got our wires crossed on the presumed context of all this.
Even limiting IFR to the UK means potential airways operation, with the altitude/oxygen issues. I suppose one could limit these types to below Class A airspace which would be rather novel...
I would love to have a 450HP turboprop, and loads of homebuilts will run circles around a TB20 right now. I just don't think the powers to be are ready to swallow IFR flight for sub-ICAO planes, because of the implications within the UK, never mind abroad. They can't even agree to training at unlicensed airfields........
The info on 1 month wait came from a Permit flyer (on here, I believe) who waits for up to 1 month for Spain to get back to him.
I feel that in Europe an IFR approval is always going to be wrapped with a full CofA. That is how the regulation is set up. That then opens up the whole IFR can of worms.