Originally Posted by
EXDAC
Would you please explain how someone flying hooded instrument approaches for practice and/or currency is "IFR". Such approaches are conducted in VMC, do not require a flight plan, and many I have done don't require any contact with ATC.
Umm... because they might want to be IFR.
The 'R' in IFR stands for Rules. Every time you fly you elect to fly VFR or IFR. Flight Rules are not the same as Meteorological Conditions. You absolutely can fly IFR in VMC (but not VFR in IMC). An IFR flight plan is only required for controlled airspace.
But yes, I suppose you could choose to fly VFR under the hood.