Marco Leon (at) wrote:
Not sure if we are disagreeing here Colin. Like I stated in my post, some
pilots become safer while others do not. In other words, flying under IFR
requires more precision to stay within the rules. Flying beyond that level
of precision will get you reported by ATC and may even get you killed if
you're in IMC.

What I'm going after is the sentiment which seems to suggest that
unless an instrument pilot is current and proficient, then he's no
better off than a VFR pilot should he pull a VFR-into-IMC.

OF COURSE flying on an IFR flight plan in actual requires proficiency
as well as currency and that takes regular work to maintain. I make a
point of taking a ride in actual with my CFII every 3-4 months for
that.

However, simply maintaining heading&alt within a country mile, let's
call it "survival proficiency," probably requires a lot less for most
people. It's not quite riding a bicycle for most people but it's not
like you need to remember hold entries either.

This is my point. The rating can increase your risk exposure because it
is a license to go in harm's way. But that has nothing to do with the
rating, just the pilot. An instrument rating doesn't teach you bad
judgment any more than a private license teaches you good judgment.

-cwk.