Not quite the standard IR question.
I'm looking for some opinions to help in making a decision. My ATPL exams are going to 'expire' in May. I have 500 hours or thereabouts and am instructing quite happily at the minute with the probability of some commerical work coming into the mix. I am quite happy to continue to do this for a year or two. So in terms of timing for the IR, it's not great as I don't really see me being in contention for an IR type job until 1000 hours or so, and even then it will take a bit more commercial and turbine time.
However the thought of going through the 7 exams again is not appealing, so there is a case to be made for going ahead and doing the course, and going back to normal duties until the 'magic' numbers are reached.
In this case, what would be required to keep the IR current? Will I then be burdened with some expensive flying every year? Or am I better just waiting until I'm ready for a change and then going ahead? Or...could I park the IR flying at that point and get current again without too much trouble?
(The IR fund has been salted away and ready for use).
I'd appreciate any comments or advice.
(P.S. I have done a search, I have a good idea of my preferred training provider, just wondering whether to go now, or later and what the issues might be…)
Thanks,
TU154.