Are there any stats available on how many AF missions are flown and by what licence and flight rules..? I'm only guessing but wouldn't a large percentage be done PPL & VFR..? How many are done PPL & IFR..? How many CPL's with current CIR would be available to do these AF missions..? I can see where you're coming from with setting these minimums and you may well make the flights somewhat safer, but won't there be a new problem due to lack of availability of qualified pilots to accept the required missions..? (Throwing the baby out with the bathwater comes to mind).