I think you and I are never going to agree on this
May be not - interesting debate though.
I am reflecting on the fact that traffic departing on them is kept well clear from traffic attempting a zone transit.
The vast majority of light traffic in class D in IMC are pilots with an IMCR or FAA IR. Whether that traffic is transiting the zone, coming off a STAR or making an approach, the controllers do not separate the CAT traffic to any greater or lesser extent. Moreover, there is plenty enough light aircraft traffic in class D in IMC.
AOPA and PPL/IR understand perfectly well the needs of pilots, those of use who volunteer our time to do the stuff are real pilots just like yourself and I actually find your view that we do not understand the needs offensive.
I hope my criticism of AOPA in the past has been constructive. At least I have taken the trouble to justify my criticism.
I pointed out their web site was hopeless. They have made some improvements.
However:
Look at their main page
http://www.aopa.co.uk/
They tell me they have 400,000 members in 50 countries.
AOPA America tell me they have 413,000 pilots in America or two thirds of all pilots in America. (
http://www.aopa.org/info/) I guess that means the rest of the world has -13,000 pilots.
Cheap comments aside, I really don’t want to know how many pilots AOPA have worldwide. If I am visiting AOPA UK I want to know how many pilots AOPA UK has, and how many thirds of the UK pilot community they represent - or are they too embarrassed to let on?
I really don’t want to know what’s happening in IAOPA or about tougher carbon targets.
I don’t want cheesy photos.
Compare and contrast with AOPA America. Their front page is full of issues relevant to GA.
.. .. .. And then lets take a look at the news section. There must be something in there about a subject as important enough as proposals to make the IR more accessible .. .. .. Oh dear, still not a mention.
Come on guys this is part of the image you present to every pilot in the UK who might think about joining. It is a disaster. Do you give me the impression you represent me and are doing something about the host of threats to GA - I don’t think so.
What I do see a lot off is people who think they could do an IR but don't really want to hiding behind what they see as onerous requirements. In fact the IR is not difficult to do at all, even in it's current format. There are too many old wives tales and myths spread about around it.
Representing the views of pilots means listening to what they have to say and do.
Take the afore comment.
As I said before I don’t think this is the view of most pilots. If that were the case tell me why it is that there are more than 100 FAA private instrument rated pilots in Europe for every 1 European IR holder.
It is those pilots who usually own their own aircraft and are highly motivated and intelligent people that should be offended when each one of them has assessed the pros and cons of gaining an FAA IR compared with a European IR and in spite of the extra costs of having to operate their aircraft on the N reg never the less feel compelled to take that route.
Old wives tales and myths - I doubt it very much.
No - if AOPA believe they understand the views of GA and yet believe pilots take the FAA IR route becasue of myths and old wives tales and think they have it horribly wrong.
But I will issue a challenge to you. Come on an airways flight with me, you can fly the entire trip under IFR including the SID's and STAR's (I am an IRI) and we can review hoe adequately you feel your IMCR prepared you for the task. It will cost you nothing other than a lunch and some genuine feedback.
If I relied on my IMCR I would happily take you up on that challenge. Thank you though. My friend and I on the other hand (with his IMCR) has just done a 500 mile round trip, both sectors in IMC all the way, but outside CAS other than the class D component with a localiser at one end and no autopilot - that is as demanding as it gets - you should give it a try some time.
Sadly, I dont think anything of substance will change - but I really hope I am wrong.
However, I am a huge supporter of the IMCR and for that reason if it is axed I shall do something about it.