First of all, apologies. I should have specified the 50 hour IR course, not just the 50 hour course.
To answer some of your queries:
Jason_beall:
To answer your questions in general terms.
Both FNPT 1 and FNPT 2 are fixed base simulators An FNPT 1 is a basic device with simple systems and no visual, roughly replicating a class of aircraft. An FNPT 2 is somewhat more sophisticated in its systems and includes a basic visual.
Basically most FTOs have one type or the other these days. The FNPT 2 usually has more credits allowing you to do more training in the simulator (hence the 10 hours compared to the 5 hours in the new minimum course hours for the IR course for ICAO to JAA IR conversions).
Buzzy:
No, Those who meet the JAR ATPL requirements are exempted even the 15 hour course. This new minimum 15 hour course is for those with a non-JAA CPL/IR or ATPL who do not meet the JAR ATPL requirements.
Canadian Kid:
I should have a look at the CAA website (
www.caa.co.uk). Look under personnel licencing, flight crew licencing, GID 24 and 25.
This defines that you need to do the theroetical exams and training as required for the CPL plus the CPL SKill Test.
If you have a non-JAA multi rating you willl need to do a Multi Engine Piston Class Rating ( but no miniumum course hours) and the test can be done at the flight school - you do not have to go to a full-time CAA examiner for it.
The IR is then as specified above.
The GIDs have not yet been updated with the new rules for the minimum 15 hour course for the IR.