Following the IMC debate with interest. I'm just coming to the end of my training and it's taken me almost ten months. I've flown about 50% more hours than the minimum for IMC. My instructor has insisted I do everything on the syllabus (as is proper). He's also had me flying all these procedures in cloud not just with foggles in good VMC. I'm luck in that some of the aircraft on the hire fleet I use are ex British Airways trainers, so they're all airways equiped. I agree that 15 hours is a joke. You have learned just enough to get you into trouble but not enough to get out by then! The IMC isn't intended to be an IR. But if it's taught properly and with regard to the practicalities, rather than legal minima I think it's a very useful rating. I can now fly in cloud (and I actually have done) whilst navigating and remaining in control. Granted I've done extra hours but I've enjoyed them and it's improved my general flying too. So it surely can't be all bad???
