joe-fbs wrote:I have emailed my MP, copied Grant Shapps and CAA...
Earlier this week I received a reply from the CAA (copied to the two MPs). I think that it is OK for me to share that reply, with the name of the person removed:
"...I am sorry for the short delay in replying, I have been on leave.
I can confirm under the current arrangements the IMC Rating can be issued until April 2019. The CAA General Aviation Unit is already engaged with our colleagues at EASA regarding the future arrangements as we agree that UK general aviation access to a basic instrument qualification after April 2019 is vital.
EASA has been working towards implementing the Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) which is similar to the IMR Rating but a European qualification. It is not yet clear when this will be available. We do have a commitment from EASA that the IMC Rating should be available until the BIR or a similar European GA accessible basic instrument qualification becomes available.
As you may be aware from the recent suite of CAA issued General Exemptions, EASA and the Commission have been working hard towards publishing the latest amendment to the Aircrew Regulation which has been delayed for procedural reasons. My view is that needs to be resolved (published) before there is any bandwidth in Europe for further discussion on such UK National arrangements as the IMC Rating. The Aircrew Regulation amendment should to be published in the near future.
My expectation is an appropriate GA accessible instrument qualification will still be available after April 2019 and we will advise the GA sector when we have more information to share."