On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 13:02:21 -0700, "mindenpilot"
wrote in ::


Also, if the weather is VFR, there is nothing stopping us VFR pilots from
filing an IFR flight plan and flying in, as long as we maintain VFR.

There's nothing stopping VFR pilots from filing an IFR flight plan,
but the FAR requirement* for the PIC to be instrument rated and
current.


*

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text....1.1.2&idno=14
§ 61.3 Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations
...
(e) Instrument rating. No person may act as pilot in command of a
civil aircraft under IFR or in weather conditions less than the
minimums prescribed for VFR flight unless that person holds:

(1) The appropriate aircraft category, class, type (if required),
and instrument rating on that person's pilot certificate for any
airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift being flown;

But


http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text....2.4.5&idno=14
§ 91.109 Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and
certain flight tests.
...
(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument
flight unless—

(1) The other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot who
possesses at least a private pilot certificate with category and
class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown.

seems to permit Simulated instrument flight in VMC without mention of
the PIC having an instrument rating on his pilot certificate. The
question then becomes, is Simulated instrument flight in VMC conducted
under VFR or IFR?