"how can you give a check ride ...on 737 when your ir has lapsed ..."
I guess most TRTOs require a current IR as a prerequisite and therefore DGCA requires one to have a current IR in order to issue the NOC.
Air India never asks for a current IR while hiring (non-type rated) pilots , how do those guys get their NOC ?
and this is from the DGCA website
"4. Extension of Instrument Rating— For extension of Instrument Rating to include an additional type of aeroplane, an applicant shall be required to produce evidence of having satisfactorily completed the flight test in accordance with para 1(e) in respect of the type of aeroplane for which the extension of Instrument Rating is desired. The flight test shall have been
completed within a period of six months immediately preceding the date of application for the extension of Instrument Rating."
and this is para 1(e):
"(e) Skill— He shall have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Examiner his
competency to fly an aeroplane in respect of which Instrument Rating is desired, solely with the aid of instruments by undergoing an instrument flying test within a period of six months immediately preceding the date of application for the rating.The flying test shall be carried out in accordance with the syllabus as prescribed by the Director-General. The Director-General may, however, allow such tests or part thereof to be carried out on an approved simulator for the type of aircraft."
and here's what DGCA has to say about IR renewal (from the same document)
" 3. Renewal— The Instrument Rating may be renewed on receipt of satisfactory evidence of the applicant :
(a) having satisfactorily completed the Instrument Rating Flight Test as laid down in para 1(e).
(b) having a valid Flight Radio Telephone Operator’s Licence issued by the
Director-General for operation of radio telephone apparatus on board an aircraft. "
The requirement for having a current IR is not mentioned anywhere under 'Extension of Instrument Rating'.
the way I see it, DGCA is just trying to filter out applications, for having a current IR on C152 or a light twin has nothing to do with getting an IR on 737...