BEagle, yes that is in fact how I do organise myself for
flights of any significant distance. My GPS gear, a pair
of 430's is rated for IR approach use in the US when a
current database is installed.
This year I've done an IMC, the experience of which
I'm going to spend some time converting to my own
aircraft.
The plan next year is to do a US IR that will give me
full airways and approach access in the UK with
my (N-reg) plane.
-- Andrew