I'm going to try to keep this PG rated.
I've already joined the MHC with my wife (Cessna 172--no autopilot in case Henning was wondering
) on an almost perfect VFR day, and while it was a great thrill for both of us of course---I am now looking to do something similar, but more exciting.
Now I want to re-join, but this time while hand flying in solid IMC.
I am IR and always keep it current (have about 450 hrs total), and even fly practice approaches in actual IFR whenever I can, even when its down to near minimums, so I am not just legally current, but sharp on the gauges.
Doing it VFR was actually MUCH easier than I had though as I was able to keep within 100 ft, and 10 deg except for one deviation where I got 150' off, but corrected quickly but gently………
Is doing the same thing in the soup going to be a lot more challenging (dangerous) without an AP, or will it be similar to on a CAVU day, being that my IFR skills are pretty good (scan, etc)??
What I am planning to do is file to a kind of out of the way intersection (I'm /G) and then ask ATC for a block altitude as well as a chunk of airspace---something like
"Cessna 12345, request block altitude 7000 to 8000 within a 3 nm radius of POTIN intersection"
That way, I won't have to worry about causing a loss of seperation with other A/C if things get a bit "exciting".
What do you guys think??
Is re-joining the MHC in IMC going to be a lot more unforgiving, dangerous and difficult than on a CAVU day??
Please give me your thoughts, especially the more experienced guys.
Thanks so much