I totally agree with you Fuji. The problem seems to be that anything beyond PPL level in the UK and Europe seems to be aimed at Commercial wanabee's. Take the ME rating. The currecny requirements are stated in "route sectors". I don't know about other people out there, but I don't fly "route sectors". I fly from A to B because I want to.
The IMC rating is a good rating, BUT it has been limited to disallow a holder into certain airspace. The UK authorities seem terrified at the idea of a PPL holder anywhere near "busy TMA's". An IR now de-restricts this PPL, and hence in order to keep PPL's out the IR has been horribly blown out of proportion. There is no real difference between the JAA and FAA IR's. If there was, then Billy Bob Jr. wouldn't be allowed to fly his United 777 into LHR.
One big difference in obtaining the FAA IR is that allowance is made for previous instrument time. I'm sure that out there there are many very capable IMC holders with loads of hours 'actual'. However in order to qualify for a JAA IR, they are required to undergo a full JAA course [bar a few hours]. The FAA on the other hand would take these hours in to count, and your 'minimum' requirements would be reduced. You need a written authorisation to take the knowledge exams, and then another to state you standard is good enough to take the skills test.
It seems crazy to me that although we are all in the ICAO, I cannot fly a G registered aircraft, IFR to France, or let alone anywhere near Heathrow, yet should I be in an N reg then I would be perfectly legal......
Cheers
EA
