Hi Fuji Abound,
That sounds remarkably like the proposed Instrument Weather Rating
Proposed IWR:
One exam, like the IMC
Twenty hours instrument flight training
25 month renewals (possibly 13)
No additional medical requirements than vanilla
Europe-wide (well, JAA-land wide)
Lower Airways use.
I read this, this morning:
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP702.pdf
(1999 progress report)
AAIB RECOMMENDATION 92–32
The CAA consider ways of enhancing the training content of the IMC Rating, to bring it closer to the ICAO minimum standard for IFR operations. This should include the incorporation of a full navigation flight test, with increased emphasis on the use of radio
aids for en route navigation, and including a descent to minimum safe altitude and diversion due to (simulated) adverse weather conditions.
Status – Fully Accepted – Open
CAA Response
The Authority accepts this Recommendation which will be covered in a review of the future of the IMC Rating conducted in the context of the introduction from 1993 of European harmonised flight crew licensing requirements.
CAA Action
External consultation did not generate support for the CAA’s proposals for the introduction of an Instrument Weather Rating to replace the present IMC rating. CAA has withdrawn them to consider alternative proposals.
Sounds promising, I'd start revisiting this idea first
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You may also be interested in this: (from the AIP)
Annex 1 Personnel Licensing (8th Edition)
Reference Difference
GEN 1.7 — DIFFERENCES FROM ICAO STANDARDS, RECOMMENDED PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
2.6.1.5.2 UK private pilot licence holders with Instrument Rating are not required to meet the full ICAO class 1 medical
assessment requirements. A hearing test to class 1 standards is required.
UK AIP (18 Apr 02) GEN 1-7-1
Civil Aviation Authority AMDT 4/02
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and this: (from an AIC)
UNITED KINGDOM
AIC 110/1999 - dated 9 September
JOINT AVIATION REQUIREMENTS - FLIGHT CREW LICENSING (AEROPLANES) ARRANGEMENTS FOR INSTRUMENT, CLASS
AND SINGLE PILOT TYPE RATING INSTRUCTION
3 Qualification for the Grant of an Instrument Rating Instructor Rating (IRI)
3.1 With effect from 1 January 2000, pilots not holding a Flying or Flight Instructor Rating wishing to give instruction for the grant of
an Instrument Rating will be able to qualify for the grant of an Instrument Rating Instructor (IRI) Rating; holders of the IRI Rating will not be entitled to conduct instruction for any purpose other than for the grant of the Instrument Rating. However, within the UK only, holders of an IRI will be able to give instruction for the grant of an IMC Rating. Requirements for rating issue will be as follows:
(a) Hold at least the licence, rating and qualification for which instruction is being given; and
(b) have flown at least 800 hours flight time in accordance with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Where pilots have recorded flight
by sole reference to instruments and not under IFR then 1 hour by sole reference to instruments may be counted as 4 hours
flight by IFR; and
(c) complete the relevant training which comprises 10 hours of flight instruction in an aeroplane, flight simulator or FNPT II and
70 hours of ground instruction. This training must be conducted by an approved Flying or Flight Instructor Course (FIC)
Instructor qualified to conduct training for the Instrument Rating Instructor (IRI) Rating at a suitably approved flying training
organisation; and
(d) pass the relevant skill test with a Flight Instructor Examiner (Aeroplanes) as set out in JAR-FCL 1.345.
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Which opened the way for a lot more IR instructors, and if we believe the rules of supply and demand...