Originally Posted by mad_jock
On another note you don't need an IR to fly under IFR in euroland.
JAR–FCL 1.175 Circumstances in which
an IR(A) is required
(a) The holder of a pilot licence (A) shall
not act in any capacity as a pilot of an aeroplane
under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), except as a
pilot undergoing skill testing or dual training,
unless the holder has an instrument rating
(IR(A)) appropriate to the category of aircraft
issued in accordance with JAR–FCL.
(b) In JAA Member States where national
legislation requires flight in accordance with IFR
under specified circumstances (e.g. at night),
the holder of a pilot licence may fly under IFR,
provided that pilot holds a qualification
appropriate to the circumstances, airspace and
flight conditions in which the flight is conducted.
National qualifications permitting pilots to fly in
accordance with IFR other than in VMC without
being the holder of a valid IR(A) shall be
restricted to use of the airspace of the State of
licence issue only.
Surely I haven't read it right... To fly internationally under IFR (within bounds of European Union) you do need a valid IR(A). Full stop.
Back to original topic, JAR-FCL as such only requires 3 take-offs and landings on class/type in last 90 days to act as a pilot when carrying passengers - there is no requirement to be current on approaches or any kind of instrument flying whatsoever - what is actually smart to do is another way, but legally, you are current for the entire year IR is valid. On the other hand, if you wish to fly commercially under EU-OPS (single-pilot operations only), you need 5 IFR flights, including 3 instrument approaches in last 90 days.