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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