Hi,
Thank you !
Yes the terminology IMC/VMC could be also correct, and even better maybe on a European point of view.
We had to think about this to make a decision. The main problem is that VMC has a precise definition :
In Europe : visibility > 1500 m (uncontrolled airspace) or >5km (controlled airspace), clear of clouds (uncontrolled airspace below 3000ft AMSL / 1000ft ASFC) or cloud clearance 1000 ft verticaly or 1500m/30 seconds lateraly (controlled airspace and class G above 3000ft/1000ft), and some different definitions by night depending on which European country you fly (there are also some differences for VMC conditions by day in some countries).
In the US : above 10 000 ft visibility > 5 SM and cloud clearance 1000ft verticaly and 1SM lateraly ; below 10 000 ft visibility > 3SM (controlled airspace or night) or 1 SM (uncontrolled) and cloud clearance in controlled airspace (except class B) or by night is 1000 ft above 500 ft below and 2000 ft lateraly.
Using a precise word "VMC" to depict conditions which can be below a VMC definition, and with a word which does not have the same definition in different countries, or by day/by night, or depending the class of the airspace, was not very comfortable.
Moreover, the criteria that we have chosen are approximately linked to Instrument approaches to be expected/required :
IFR = Below VMC but approximately Non Precision Minima
Intensive IFR = Below VMC and approximately Precision Minima (expect ILS)
Very intensive IFR = Below Precision Minima, not accessible for most GA IFR pilots (expect Cat II or lower)
That is why we decided to use the same legend as the Jeppesen weather Chart, to make things more simple.
It's always hard to make a decision
Alexandra