"JB" wrote in news:1170187529.474720.288000
@j27g2000cwj.googlegroups.com:

No
need to land and get a new clearance after each approach. You can log
3 approaches in a little over an hour. Until you get some real time
in your logbook, set your personal ceiling limit at 2000, 1500 or some
other comfortable level. DON'T fly down to minimums in real IMC the
day after you get your ticket!

Just like Gerald, I'd have to respectively disagree too!

Right out of my training, I did a solo "local "flight in IMC and did
approaches with ceilings of 1000. The entire time other then below the
ceilings I was in solid IMC.

Exposure does build experience.

I was fortunate to have an instructor who took me out in ILS minimums, so
when it came the day for me to do it myself, 1000 foot ceilings were a
walk in the park.

The important thing after getting the IA rating is continous exposure to
IMC so you don't lose that skill of flying without visual reference.
Hood helps, but just isn't the same. I have not used a hood since
getting my IA ticket as I actively seek actual conditions.

I fully do understand, that owning my own plane does allow for more
spontaneity (sp) in seeing oh good, 600 foot ceilings, lets go fly....

Always fly IFR to your destination even on nice days. While not
loggable, it will help keep you in practice with comms and
navigating.

VFR flight following does the same thing....

And, flying in straight and level IMC is not enough for proficiency in MY
experiences.

Allen