He didnt hand it back - it was expiring, but he would have to pay for the ATPL renewal himself - which one might consider a small penalty - but it still means more payout every 5 years doesnt it?

CAA Head of Personnel Licencing has agreed to give the IMC credit for multi-pilot IR(A) issue further consideration.

I felt a bit guilty about putting him on the spot publicly today. Sorry, Graham!

What about Single Pilot CPL or IR holders? It was grandfather rights for life if it was a UK issued one :ouch:

JAR-FCL CPL(A) and ATPL(A) licences do not have
in-built IMC privileges. The holder of a JAR-FCL
professional aeroplane licence without a valid IR(A)
who wishes to obtain an IMC Rating must complete the
following:

i) 5 hours of applied dual instrument instruction in
accordance with the IMC Rating syllabus and;

ii) pass an initial IMC Rating Flight Test.

The holder of a UK issued JAR-FCL professional
aeroplane licence with a valid single-pilot IR(A) does
not require a separate IMC Rating endorsement as the
privileges are included within the IR(A) privileges. If,
however, you wish to obtain an IMC Rating you will
need to apply to PLD for endorsement. The normal IMC
rating issue fee will apply unless application is made in
conjunction with an Instrument Rating (IR). In this case,
the IMC Rating will be valid for a period of 25 months
from the date of the IR(A) skill test and will not need to
be revalidated if the IR(A) remains valid. If the IR(A)
lapses an IMC revalidation flight test is required.