How to get the most from VFR XC's for IFR requirements?

Why don't you get some IFR training, and come back later to do the XC
flights? That way you will be able to apply your IFR skills. VFR Flight
Following functions basically the same as IFR except for the VFR
limitation. You don't even need a safety pilot as long as you fly
visually, and you can even fly the approaches.



gregg wrote in
news:m_0yd.303337$R05.271951@attbi_s53:

Hi all,

I've begun my IFR taining and at the same time, racking up the cross
country hours required for the ticket.

I'm wondering what things I could do in these strictly VFR XC's that
would
help me learn/gain insight or facility with the IFR world. So far I
have:

1) My CFII suggested I plan routes that VOR hop

2) Another CFII suggested I take along IFR enroute charts and look
them over while enroute

3) it occured to me to select alternates and plan fuel reserves as if
this was IMC.

Are there any other things that could be done during a strictly VFR
XC that
would help?

thanks

Gregg