2close, I agree.
Fuji, dear dear. I'll be sure to tell my chief pilot that all the company pilots who renew their IR's only do so to "better" their chances with his aeroplanes
Get real! An IMC course should be compulsory for Every PPL issue in my opinion as it may save someones life one day especially in the UK given the weather....but. Please don't confuse an IMC with being qualified or able to fly PROPERLY on instruments, you are NOT. THAT'S exactly how people KILL themselves!
The reason IR's are expensive are due to the complexity and depth of the course, quality costs! If you can't afford it then......
..FAA IR's are well and good albeit not as indepth as JAA but some of the procedues often used in the UK aren't even touched in the American IR and vice versa, I know I have both!
Why should EASA or the French recognise the IMC qualification?