I know plenty of guys flying for the airlines who got IMC ratings during their hour-building. The IMC conveys substantial privileges for not that much money, and when kept current is a great addition to a PPL.
A bit bumpy at 1500ft? No problem; up through the clouds and smooth as silk.
Caught in the rain en route and door seals not 100%? See above.
Unforecast weather making approach a no-no at your destination and need to divert to an ILS equipped airport in poor viz? Not a problem.
The IMC transformed my flying and cut the amount of cancelled trips by about 75%. I once took off from a small grass strip in 2000m viz, entered cloud at 800ft, came out on top at FL055 and sat in the sun all the way home to break cloud at 350ft on the ILS at my home field.
It's well worth doing. Only caveats are no class A airspace, UK only, and 1800m min viz for take-off/landing.
Just make sure you remember how ice works if you plan to use it in the colder months!
Last edited by Shunter; 11th Feb 2008 at 20:07.
Reason: Ice...