The privileges of a UK CPL and ATPL prohibit flight under IFR in Class A, B and C airspace unless you hold a valid IR. (ANO Sched 8)Therefore you are not prohibited from flying IFR in any other Class of Airspace. This inbuilt privilege is not a rating and therefore needs no revalidation.

The reference to having the privileges of a PPL with IMC rating is largely irrelevant as the very same privilege is built into the licence. Art 25 states that IMC Rating privileges are not valid unles you have a valid Certificate of Test!

So to sum up, the privilege to fly IFR in Classes D,E, F and G airspace is a basic licence privilege for the UK CPL and ATPL holder and the reference to the IMC rating is a total red herring.

Thanks Strateandlevel for clearing(!) it up. One last Q - are there any additional allowances that need to be added to the DA/MDA for and Inst app? ( a la amber/white ratings in the military)

The AIP gives advisory minima for IMC rated pilots of 500 ft for a precision appraoch and 600 feet for a non precision approach. Normally an IMC rated pilot would add 200 feet to the MDH or DH with an additional 50 ft PEC to DH for non calibrated aircraft i.e most light singles and twins. The AIP advises pilots not in current practice (28 days)to add a further 100 ft. Legally however, you can operate to the published minima.

AIP AD1-1-2 Para 3.3.2

[This message has been edited by StrateandLevel (edited 15 September 2000).]