Mark Hansen wrote in
:

In another case, he claimed
that it was illegal to fly IFR without a flight plan and ATC clearance,
but that rule applies only to Controlled airspace.

Well, it can be illegal. My ops manual forbids it, so it's illegal for
me. My ops manual obviously doesn't apply to you, though, nor any other
aircraft not covered by it. That's just a small nit, though. If I were
you, I would be seriously considering finding a new CFII, one who
actually knows something about flying IFR. All too often, it's the blind
leading the blind.

--
Regards,

Stan

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." B. Franklin