slim_slag,
You said it all really "This is particularly stupid, because a Canadian IR pilot can fly IFR in a C reg plane in JAA airspace. Obviously changing a letter painted on the fuselage changes the proficiency of the pilot, how stupid of me not to realise .."
It really does highlight the ridiculousness of it all !! I'd say nothing of say the prospect of having to take a flight test and even perhaps the written exams (which, yes I know are embedded within the 14 ATPL writtens so you couldn't get around that anyway unless you met the 3000 hr (?) + MCC requirements ! ) ......, but I mean, come on, let's be sensible. The 50 hours (assuming 5 hr credit) requirement is 10 hours more than is required to get the Canadian IR in the first place !!
Like I said earlier ........ anyone up for lobbying the CAA/JAA over this, count me in !!
Cheers,
Canada.G.