IMC Rating - It is useful
 

Just got my IMC rating a couple of days ago -I used it for the first time today, did an IMC letdown (2000ft AAL cloudbase) to a visual landing, and radar vevtors back to the ILS when I got back to home base.

Even flew in between the layers - FANTASTIC.

I know the IMC rating has it's detractors, but if it is used regularly and you keep current it can be used usefully and safely.

It's definately a good way to get experience in IMC conditions, before moving onto your IR.

STurns,

Congrats on the IMC. I am just about to do one. Where did you do it, and how long did it take? Can you expand on the nature of your training sessions?

I have been waiting to do a residential course consisting of a block of 15-hours over 5 weekdays, but have now concluded that the chances of the UK weather holding out for 5 consecutive days is virtually zero. I will probably now have to fit it in as-and-when, like my PPL, but I think continuity suffers this way.

I have to concur - I've put my IMC rating to some serious use over the past few days, including a first ever SRA approach - nice.

Definitely worth having even if you never plan to use - with our wonderful weather you just never know.

Jolly Tall,

Did my IMC at my local flying club - Newcastle Aero Club. Good instructors (Ian Chambers did most of my training, poor lad!) and as long as you're flexible about when to go flying (i.e. not at weekends!!) then you can get your flying done pretty quickly.

Looking at my logbook I did the last 6 hours of training in just about 2 weeks.

Now - can anyone recommend where to get a twin rating, seeing as Newcastle Aero Club decided to turn their BE76 into a roman candle!

See You...

Gentlemen,

May I firstly say congrats to STurns on his IMC rating, and you also hit the spot when you say that keeping it current is important. I am sure that your instructor would have pointed out that as far as the CAA are concerned, currency in instrument approaches is recomended at one approach of THAT type in the previous 28 days. I realy am not trying to pee on anyones fireworks, however, I'm sure you found the IMC rating a challenge as we all did, just don't fall into the trap that it's "Definitely worth having even if you never plan to use it" as the best course of action if you find yourself 12 months down the line approaching the clag, is to turn back, PLEASE don't go and make the mistake that so many have, which is to carry on with the intention of making an instrument approach and end up as another CFIT statistic.

Anyway happy flying chaps & chapesses, & yes between the layers is a magical place to be, especially when the sun is painting one of them red at sunset!

Cheers.

Congrats -keep current and you'll be blessed with some great moments.
Climbing up through the clag on Christmas eve to see the sunshine; flying between layers; watching the sun go down VMC on top, then descending thru the clag to see it go down again!!; free SRA 'for practice' from Southampton,(thanx chaps -passengers impressed); flying from a snow free south, descending thru the clag to find the north of England covered by snow and trying to find a grass airfiled -THAT was interesting; freedom to fly....(almost) whatever the weather.
Enjoy and keep current.