The vital question is how long is it since your C of E expired. That will be 13 months from the date of the last certificate in your log book. If its less than 5 years, you just do a proficiency check, about 1 hour and get signed up. Over 5 years its a bit more complicated according to the CAA but not according to the JAA.
[ 27 September 2001: Message edited by: Noggin ]