The FAA's definition of Instrument flight time is when you do not have ground reference. i.e. if you can not see the ground or ground references, you are IMC. On night flights if you can see the surface or surface lights, this would not be IMC.
But, if you are in VMC, then you can not log instrument flight time. You could log simulated instrument flight time with a view limiting device and a safety pilot.
Check 6
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Kick the tires, light the fires, first off is lead, brief on guard.
[This message has been edited by Check 6 (edited 23 May 2001).]