Originally Posted by
HoundDog
Oh, FYI -- by OPNAV 3710.7U, which is the regulation governing Navy flight operations "Regardless of weather, IFR flight plans shall be filed and flown whenever practicable as a means of reducing midair collision potential." So we do quite a bit more than "roundy round bolters." We actually spend most of our flight time (in the US) operating IFR.
The AMA has been operating for 75 years just fine no need for any changes...Besides ATC only guarantees Separation between aircraft that are on an IFR Flight plane have a clearance and are actually in IMC conditions. ATC don't provide a commercial any gauerentee [sic] of separation from anything when the Commercial or anything else for that matter, When in VFR Conditions. Unless U are in actual IMC it still see and be seen.[/QUOTE]
You're incorrect about separation. Even in VMC conditions, IFR provides traffic separation from other IFR aircraft AND participating VFR aircraft. FAA recommends VFR aircraft operate at even/odd altitudes +500 as a risk mitigation measure to help provide additional separation from IFR traffic (which operates at even/odd altitudes).