Chilli Monster - how true! The Bovingdon - Lambourne - Dover route is a well known cross-channel route and the ability to operate safely and confidently either VFR on top as you did or 'in and out of the tops' as I did some years ago is what an IMC Rating is for, in my view. But the abject failure of Lootnairpawt to provide a RIS on this route when circumstances require it is the biggest compromise to flight safety! ATS outside RAS at the weekend is woefully inadequate, particularly in the busy south east of the UK!
[ 30 September 2001: Message edited by: BEagle ]