Mike,
Thanks for your support in this! (Everyone, please keep the responses
coming, the more I get, the stronger the case.)
Can I just clarify something? This about IMC privileges in Permit aircraft,
not the IMC rating for pilots. In theory the same rules would apply as for a
C172 or PA-28 with similar capabilities - the use of airways would depend on
the pilot's level of license. So if he has a full IR, up he goes! :-)
Now a separate but related topic of possible interest... The UK IMC rating
has been criticised in the past for existing solely for flying schools to
hold of more of our hard-earned cash, while training the pilots to be just
capable of being seriously dangerous to themselves and their passengers. I
have heard a case being made for abolishing the IMC rating and insisting on
full IRs.
The obstacle to a full IR, of course, is the cost. But in your own Permit
plane...? I think there is a significant safety case in here somewhere!
Regards,
Jeremy
Jeremy Davey
Europa Monowheel 537M G-EZZA
Europa Club Vice-Chairman, Webmaster, PFA NC Representative
PFA EC Member
"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, then it is
possible you haven't grasped the severity of the situation."
Tail done
Standard XS wings with mods underway
CM installed in fuse (with airbrakes fittings)
1200 build hours to date
Intended fit:
Rotax 914 turbo, Airmaster CS fully-feathering prop
Lots of lights, buttons, switches, gizmos, and alarms
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of M.J. Gregory
Subject: RE: Europa-List: What's your position on Night and IMC privileges
for Permit aircraft in the UK?
Jeremy
Yes, I am strongly in favour of night and IMC privileges for Permit
aircraft, especially the Europa.
I firmly believe in pilots developing their skills so that they are able to
cope with conditions beyond those in which they normally fly. Regular
practice in both simulated and actual conditions would result in people
being much better placed to fly safely when faced with the unexpected. It
should not, however, be treated as a licence to fly regardless of the
weather any more than you would in a certified aircraft.
For those not familiar with the privileges of a UK IMC rating, it is
important to understand that this is not a full Instrument Rating and does
not allow pilots to file an IFR flight plan (e.g. to fly airways). The
minimum equipment level required for a Permit aircraft to fly in IMC should
not necessarily be higher than that required for a certified aircraft to fly
in IMC, certainly not a full IFR panel. The aim should be for people to be
able to handle their aircraft safely in conditions of limited visibility
(e.g. flying through cloud) and follow instructions such as a radar
talk-down approach. Equipment such as ILS could be added to the capability
according to people's needs and pockets.
Mike
Mike Gregory
Europa Club Safety Officer
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