Enroute IR - Practicabilty and Implications
In a discussion with a group of pilots and flight instructors at an ATO, there were strong doubts in terms of the practicability of exercising the privileges associated with enroute IR rating in the en route phase of a VFR flight when it comes to navigating IMC conditions and avoiding hazardous conditions such as icy conditions.
The perspective is that most GA aircrafts are not adequately equipped for flights in icing conditions and it also posses a challenge to establish an ice-avoidance flight plan in the en route phase of a VFR flight.
At least, all pilots involved in that discussion were of the opinion that the enroute IR rating is a gambling rating that is not worth pursuing. VFR flight operations into IMC environment must be avoided and is really not recommended.
Navigating IMC territory is very complcated and I personally would advice to go the full IFR route (get the full IR rating) instead of striving for a gambling rating.
WP