IO540 - I concur with your thoughts exactly and have been musing with the idea of proposing (with support from fellow aviators
) a new rating via AOPA, CAA etc. to put on the table in front of the soon to be formed EASA i.e. in the name of
safety. This rating would replace the IMC with a new standard akin to the FAA/IR, which as discussed would pretty well fit the bill and engender European wide acceptance, as opposed to the IWR which died a death!
I propose a name of IRP for IR Private (GA community target) and looking through LASORS my initial proposal would include:
a. 35 hours instrument time under instruction
b. Up to 10 hours of the 35 required to be allowed in a CAA approved simulator
c. An appropriate examination syllabus, which will major on weather and in particular, icing - how it's formed, effects, avoidance etc. The syllabus will be formed from the most relevant sections of existing material PLUS the addition of GPS and autopilot usage etc.
d. Revalidation by test after 13 months.
Not going to carry on with ideas for course pre-requisites - just thought I'd float the idea and see what you folks thought!
I'm posting this as a potential customer relatively new to this world and with no 'baggage' of any previous dealings with these august bodies. I have over the past couple of years read these same threads time and again and I think everyone is in broad agreement re: relative merits of the IMC v. IR - and it stikes me there is clearly a large void that requires a rating. In my view the CAA etc. are our agents and I think we have the right to campaign for an imrovement to our safety and enjoyment.
Well I feel better now
Seriously though, I do intend to start the ball rolling with a note to AOPA - what do you think?!