Hence my STRONG instincts would be to ditch saving the IMCR and put all my efforts through the European Courts on the creation of a more easely achievable PPL IR for NON professional pilots.
The problem is that there WON'T be any real alternative. If I thought that I could trade an IMCr for an IR then I'd be happy as larry (whoever he is).
Cutting a
few ground exams out won't do jack in my opinion, with dual rates for simple SEP instrument training running at £170+ per hour.
IF a system similar to the US was introduced then significant savings could be made, and the uptake would be great - i.e. 1 written paper and reduced ground school, ad hoc training, only 15 hrs
REQUIRED with an instructor, no 170A, reasonable revalidation requirement etc....
I've held an IR since 2001 and it has never lapsed. I use it too, but it is not JAR......