wrote:

SometimesÂ*theÂ*most
experienced IFR pilots have the mindset and judgment to question ATC
rather than accept whatever is given and sometimes that is essential
for safe IFR flight.

One of the reasons I chose the CFII I did, back when I did, was his comfort
with ATC. It was the start of my education regarding the advantages of a
"well seasoned" CFI. I've since become quite a bigot on that topic, in
fact laugh.

One of the "real world" concepts he taught, in addition to the small matter
of IFR flying, was dealing with ATC. I've found far more seasoned pilots
surprised at my negotiation style, and I owe it all to that instructor.

That said, I have to admit that I'd be disturbed to be in IMC w/o a
clearance to some airport. That's a serious problem just waiting for a
comm failure.

I don't recall whether it was real IMC in that earlier thread to which Roy
referred, though.

- Andrew