PilotWeb.org wrote:
If ATC uses the term "Cleared for approach" and/or gave you a clearance
limit, using the term "Cleared" then yes, you were operating under IFR.


No, wrong. Cleared for approach in no way makes you IFR. You must hear
the regular clearance items for an IFR clearance. At a minimum you have
to be cleared to somewhere via a route(which may be vectors) and
assigned an altitude.




The actual term IFR isn't usually used on the radio much, (they rarely
say anything like "Cleared IFR...")


They never do.






If you were "cleared for approach"
then you violated the regulations for operating under IFR without the
appropriate rating and without currency.



ATC cannot make you illegal by simply saying cleared for the approach.






When doing IFR training under VFR, ATC will use the term, "Practice
approach approved", which is the VFR equivalent to "cleared approach",

Completely wrong, both are used and used for very different and distinct
purposes.





that lets' you know that you are still under VFR. It usually sounds
like this after being identified...

"Citation 98Q, turn right heading 090, descend and maintain 4500 until
established, practice approach approved ILS 30C. Maintain VFR"


You'll never hear that.






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I hope somebody there knows what the hell they're talking about.