The IMC Rating also requires a test with an Examiner - it is NOT just a question of training and a written exam. The flight test consists of climb, climbing turns, level off, unusual atttitude recoveries on full panel plus radio navigation. Plus flight on turn and slip (or turn co-ordinator), altimeter, ASI, VSI and magnetic compass alone, including recoveries from unusual attitudes. It also requires a full-panel pilot-interpreted approach or 2, plus a go-around and poor visibility visual circuit. All except the visual circuit must be flown in simulated IF using foggles or screens. The candidate will NOT pass unless the Examiner is fully satisfied with the level of skill demonstrated, basic IF proficiency will be assessed far more critically than a NDB approach, for example.
Your touching faith in the protection afforded by an 'IFR flight plan' would be of no use whatever in the UK, even with an IR, unless you were in Controlled Airspace. But the fools who fly IMC with no radar service are a danger both to themselves and to all other airspace users.
[This message has been edited by BEagle (edited 03 February 2001).]