It is simple : the non-FAA training has to be endorsed by an authorized IR instructor to be acceptable.
An IMC instructor is not an authorized IR instructor, as well as the IMC rating privileges do not apply outside UK.
This is obvious, and was confirmed by the IFO New York.
Regards,
Frog
It's not as obvious as that because you have inserted the capitals "IR" in the text above. 14CFR only referes to "instrument training" and "authorised instructors". IMC Rating
instructors are
authorised to give
instrument training. This is obvious, to use your own words, and it is all that 14CFR specifies for the 15 hrs. No-where does is say what you claim, that the 15hrs have to be "endorsed by an authorized
IR instructor to be acceptable"
Like many regulators, the FAA is a large organisation managing a complex environment in which individuals have to apply policy judgements. However, only the FAA's General Counsel office is authorised to make legal interpretations. It is perfectly possible to get different interpretations from different people at different times within the FAA on obscure topics. I believe you that someone in the New York IFO told you what you report. You should believe others who tell you that FSDOs and DPEs have systematically accepted IMCr training, fully aware of its nature as a UK-specific sub-ICAO instrument qualification, for many years. Of course, ultimately, anyone depending on this needs to check with the FAA Instructor completing their training check and with the DPE who will perform their IR check ride.
rgds
421C