Cahlibahn
Sorry I can't point to anything written because I have not done the research. So you might be right. The first I knew of all this was receiving from the CAA a very large (and quite helpful) wall poster describing the changes in rules for obtaining various ratings since 1 January 2000. One must now conduct "differencs training" to fly tailwheel aircraft & aircraft with turbo-charged engines, retractable gear and / or constant speed props, unless, prior to 1 January 2000, you had experience in said types. Differencs training must be conducted with an instructor (and here my level of detail is weak - you seem more up with the various nuances than I).
I had the lot except tailwheel time.
My understanding is that, practically speaking, in respect of tailwheel "conversions", prior to 1 January, I could have had a PPL (or obviously any higher qualified pilot) check me out onto a tail wheel aircraft with no formal requirements. Outfits like Clacton ran (and run) tailwheel "conversions", but there was no legal weight to that term - what they were doing is trying to comprehensively teach lead footed tricycle gear pilots like me what their feet are for in a tail wheel aeroplane.
Now, one requires an instructor to sign one's logbook.
All of the above is subject to correction by any of you who has a better grasp of the new rules - comments / corrections gratefully received.
WF
Thanks - I will check them out.
[This message has been edited by Southern Cross (edited 12 December 2000).]