There is loads on the IMC rating in the Private Flying Forum.
A brief description...
15hrs flying training, with a minimum of that 10hrs on instruments alone covering basic instrument flying skills, unusual attitudes and usually ILS, VOR and NDB tracking/approaches as well.
Clears the pilot to fly IFR in the open FIR as well as class D airspace with a reduction in SVFR minims to 3km in flight vis for class A airspace (up from 10km and in sight of the surface). Approaches to airports in class D airspace may also be made.
The differences between the IMC rating and the IR in terms of privileges are:
Minimum 1800m vis for take off and landing.
A
recommended minimum DH of 500ft for precision approaches and 600ft (or published MDA+200ft whichever is higher) MDA for non-precision approaches.
No IFR airways flight.
Valid only in the UK.
The rating is used mostly by PPLs in the UK, but also by ATPLs who have let their single pilot IRs lapse.
I see though Three Yellows has beaten me to it....
