Keeping up an SPA IR or IMC rating
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Joined: Jan 2006
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From: milton keynes, UK
Keeping up an SPA IR or IMC rating
As an ex-commercial pilot I let my ATPL lapse and took out a PPL on the basis that it would be cheaper in the long run to keep up my medical.
The PPL commenced 06/06/12 and I have an SPA IR valid to 03/05/12.
I was mistakenly under the impression that after 1 year an IR would simply revert to an IMC rating for a further year. Unfortunately that is not quite right. You have to go through a paperwork exercise to achieve that, and here is the sting; ANY change to a JAR licence now triggers a change to an EASA licence.
That means that to allow my IR to revert to an IMC rating for the second year, I would have to pay for an IMC rating and an EASA licence, having just paid £189 for a JAR PPL six months ago! Even changing your address requires a change to an EASA licence and £73!
I offer this as just one more cautionary tale! No doubt there are people who have grasped all this EASA stuff. I just don't happen to be one of them; obviously too much time flying and not enough reading CAP 804!
The PPL commenced 06/06/12 and I have an SPA IR valid to 03/05/12.
I was mistakenly under the impression that after 1 year an IR would simply revert to an IMC rating for a further year. Unfortunately that is not quite right. You have to go through a paperwork exercise to achieve that, and here is the sting; ANY change to a JAR licence now triggers a change to an EASA licence.
That means that to allow my IR to revert to an IMC rating for the second year, I would have to pay for an IMC rating and an EASA licence, having just paid £189 for a JAR PPL six months ago! Even changing your address requires a change to an EASA licence and £73!
I offer this as just one more cautionary tale! No doubt there are people who have grasped all this EASA stuff. I just don't happen to be one of them; obviously too much time flying and not enough reading CAP 804!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,625
Likes: 12
From: UK
And if you had retained your UK ATPL, the IMC privileges would have been built in! It is an illusion that you save money by downgrading to a lower licence. Stay on the higher ground and keep whatever you have for as long as possible. None of this is helped by some poor guidance from upon high!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,040
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From: Home
Whopity
I recently tried to renew my ATPL to keep the imbedded IMC rating. Was told by CAA person at Gatwick not possible to renew an ATPL without a valid Type Rating.
I don't have a fat enough wallet to renew either of my last two types!! (B744 or HS125)
So downgraded to PPL.
I still have a valid IR and assumed that my new PPL would have an automatic IMC rating,useful when my IR lapses. It only came with a night rating but no IMC?
I'm starting to loose the will to live over the various licensing changes.
I think I will fly what I wish, when I wish, in conditions I consider within my capability and let any subsequent prosecution sort out the licensing!!
I don't have a fat enough wallet to renew either of my last two types!! (B744 or HS125)
So downgraded to PPL.
I still have a valid IR and assumed that my new PPL would have an automatic IMC rating,useful when my IR lapses. It only came with a night rating but no IMC?
I'm starting to loose the will to live over the various licensing changes.
I think I will fly what I wish, when I wish, in conditions I consider within my capability and let any subsequent prosecution sort out the licensing!!
Last edited by cessnapete; 21st November 2012 at 08:13.
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 682
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From: UK
renew my ATPL to keep the imbedded IMC rating
UK Issued JAR CPLs/ATPLs did not
I still have a valid IR and assumed that my new PPL would have an automatic IMC rating
Apply for one now - on the basis of your last IR Test in an aircraft, if that was less than 24 months ago. Otherwise take the test and apply.
