Bear in mind also that you will not be able to fly under IFR, even in VMC, unless you hold a 'valid instrument rating' - unless there is action taken before 1 April 2012, an IMC rating will not allow you to fly under IFR in an EASA aeroplane after that date. At present, no transitional arrangements have been announced for this case, although the UK does have the right to an opt-out from any Annex of the Aircrew (licensing) Regulation until 1 April 2013 if it chooses to take it.