Originally Posted by
IO540
A private pilot would not depart IFR with no AP.
Sorry to disagree, but: Yes, I would. I often do. It hones the handling skills.
It also tests how well I've prepared the stuff I can prepare, and how well I cope with the unexpected.
Whether or not I
shouldis a different question. My IMCR instructor, many many years ago, taught me to use all the equipment available, but to fly with whatever's there - as long as it meets the minimum IFR requirements.
So I do. I flew the FAA IR checkride, at night, in an Archer with no A/P. It was a long session, too, as that checkride is.