Renewing Expired ATPL(H)

[cwd]

I hold a UK ATPL(H) which is about to expire. My only type rating (B206) is over 5 years old and has also expired. I have just been invited by the CAA to renew the license and I am trying to decide whether to renew it now. Although I do not use the license currently, I do not want to lose it for ever.
Does anyone know what is required to renew the license if I allow it to expire? LASORS seems to suggest that one only has to have a valid medical (which I hold anyway) and do a type rating. Is this correct or does one have to apply for an assessment/complete other flying or examinations to renew the expired license?
My basic questions is: Is there any advantage in rushing to complete a type rating and re-validate the license before expiry?

[Farmer 1]

I renewed my licence last year after it had expired about a year previously. I only needed a current medical.

I suggest it would be easier to do it now rather than later, when you may need to do it in a hurry, for instance, especially as your medical is current. If in doubt, give the CAA a ring.

[cwd]

Thanks Farmer 1.

Did you have a current type rating (ie. in the previous 5 years) when you renewed?

[Hoveronly]

I also renewed mine last year (expired in 03). All I did was a type rating test and the medical..

[Farmer 1]

cwd

Actually, that is a difficult question to answer. I was current on one type, but had not used my UK licence for almost five years. When I received my new licence there were were no current types on it.

I would go for it, mate - renew the licence.