On Thu, 05 Oct 2006 19:00:15 +0200, Stefan
wrote:

In class C and "above", ATC is supposed to separate you from VFR
traffic. In class D and "below", you know that you will not be separated
from VFR traffic. Now while you are supposed to look out of the window
in both cases, this *will* inevitably influence your mindset.

It probably will. Not because of the subtle distinction regarding
separation, but rather because there should be no unknown VFR-traffic
and especially no gliders in anything from "D" and above. Most
controllers separate everyone from everyone in "D" anyway.

But that's why I was talking about the regulatory aspect. In that
sense, airspace classification is not relevant to IFR flying.

And it *will* influence the outcome in court.

How so? Apart from that, staying clear of other aircraft is of
literally such vital importance that legalities are the last thing on
my mind when an "ugly" situation develops.

I tend to believe that it goes even
further: While you theoretically are supposed to look out of the window
in clas C, you are also supposed to trust and rely on ATC. Otherwise, it
wouldn't be possible to fly in IMC at all.

Sure. But that's not the way the regs are written.

Tobias