IO or other IFR rated pilots
Technically speaking, on an IFR flight if ATC asks you to stand by for your clearance, are you still VFR and therefore responsible for your own flight clear of obstacles?
Does this then imply that one cannot commence such an IFR flight in conditions below VFR minima?
I am assuming this relates to the activation of an IFR flightplan in the air as opposed to prior to departure?