If "simulated instrument time" under the hood doesn't count as instrument time in flight, then how do all those in locations with good weather get instrument ratings?
The regs state that we need "40 hours instrument time of which not less than 20 hours must be on the relevant aircraft category " and "10 hours dual instrument time" to be issued with a CIR. I know I would not have been able to get the 20 hours instrument time in flight without the use of the hood, due to Melbourne's absolutely *splendid* weather.
Whilst under the hood in flight, you are controlling the A/C by sole reference to instruments, hence why it can be logged as instrument time in flight. My test was on a near CAVOK day, so surely if the test counts as IF time, anything else under the hood does as well. Logging every minute of an IFR flight plan as instrument time is obviously very rare, but hey, that's what airmanship is for.