"Peter" wrote in message
...

Simon Hobson wrote:

Not to mention that in the UK a basic PPL with no ratings can fly IFR,

Only in VMC and in Class G

and
only needs a Night Qualification to fly at night. I understand that
elsewhere, any night flying (as here) is IFR, and IFR is not allowed
without
a full IR.

Plenty of countries have VFR allowed at night - the USA is one great
example.

But yes this can be an issue. However a much bigger issue is that the
UK is unique in allowing flight in IMC (i.e. IFR) anywhere, and
allowing it without any clearance or even any radio contact in Class
G.

Outside the UK, to fly IFR, one needs to be on an IFR flight plan
(following the proper ATS routes, filed and verified via the Brussels
computer, and amended en-route by ATC as they wish) and an IR is
mandatory to stay legal. Same in the USA, except their flight plan
handling and lots of other details are very different.

If the British Govt kicks out N-reg aircraft, in addition to the huge
costs (typically, 4-5 figures to move back to G, for a little plane
with no certification issues, and impossible for many e.g. the SR22)
they will strip a large number of pilots of their IFR privileges for
European flight. This is a very poor thing to do for safety.

But a very good thing to do for civil servants/politicians who want control
of the populace at any cost. AIUI this isn't being pushed as a safety
measure and it's not even the CAA doing the pushing but the DFT.

Rgds

Andy R