43 Inches
All i know is that my log book under Instrument flying has
Simulated / Actual / App Type and No.
By the definitions of my log book if it isn't actual i.e. IMC, then it is simulated. Flying under the hood is not actual IMC. Satisfying recency and currency requirements is totally different to legally logging actual IMC time. Dont be suprised if the airlines raise an eyebrow to some one with 50% of the total time as actual IF tome.
Similar story to 'Tee Emm' a bloke i know had 900 hours total with CPL and an instrument rating. He had 500 ACTUAL because he logged every minute under an IFR flight plan as actual. The regionals had big issues with the legitimacy of his logbook for obviuos reasons.
I dont disagree that for recency/currency VMC/IMC/VFR/IFR makes no difference as long as the approach is flown.