PP, lots of excellent points and advice here, plenty to think about.
I too have had mine for about 6 years, and on reflection reading this thread, have actually used it quite a bit. however, I also take regular flights with an instructor, and fly instruments.
When I first got the rating I was like you, let's go somewhere and use these skills, but the actual is not quite like that. I did not know how to fly a proper SiD, or how to file an IFR flight plan. The rating is a bit like getting the PPL, you can fly, but you also require a lot of real experience.
Go with a similar rated friend, you learn a lot, and ease the workload. Get up at least every three months with an instructor, and fly some procedures, for real.
I liked the point of on a reasonable day, go up VMC on top, come through gaps, it will prepare you for the feel of flying above and into cloud. I found this a confidence builder. Get up at night, again, makes you comfortable with instruments. It's all a learning curve!
Last edited by maxred; 24th September 2012 at 11:43.