I'd just like to endorse every single word BigPistons and TangoAlpha have said on this thread so far.

I'd add that if the OP wants to practice stuff under VFR that will make him look like a **** hot airline driver, he could get to the point of being able deliver every emergency drill in the POH, perfectly, whilst maintaining full control of the aircraft and situational awareness, first time, every time.

G

If there was a like button, I would just have pressed it. At the very least, the OP should do the IR(r), then flying the ILS will have some context and value, as well as being legal.

Just to pitch into this... when I started my IR, my instructor said to me "everyone thinks an IR is about flying approaches, but it isn't, it's about controlling the aircraft using instruments". We then proceeded to fly several hours under the hood doing just that, before we ever went near an approach. I was frustrated at the time but of course he was right.

If you can't control an aircraft using instruments during cruise flight, you sure as hell won't be able to fly an approach when you are (relatively speaking) overwhelmed with frequent changes of heading and altitude, talking to ATC, getting the aircraft configured for landing...

Thanks for the responses everyone, very much noted. :)

1. Train for and obtain the IR(R).
2. Build some general IMC/IFR experience.
3. Use the experience towards the FCL.835 Basic Instrument Rating when it becomes available.
4. Build more experience, including airways flights to the continent.

Then you can begin the drudgery of CPL/IR and people-tube flying....