IMC - a real life experience
When I finished my IMC rating I certainly did not feel comfortable flying hard IFR. This was not any fault of the instructors – the training provided what I suspect it sets out to – the ability to cope and get down safely if you have to. With some more experience, time with instructors and currency it is possible to become more comfortable. My thoughts are these. How many pilots with an IMC use the rating for flying hard IFR on a regular basis and how comfortable do you feel about doing so in a single. I also think that for those in this category an IR is attractive but the theory knowledge seems unrealistic for the private pilot without commercial aspirations. Would people be in favour of an American type IR for the private pilot? Finally for those who have an IR, what are the advantages over and above the greater expertise that comes with the training? Do you find it useful to fly IMC in Europe or do you fly more airways on longer trips?