Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 31; Flight Crew Total 298; Flight Crew Type 16
Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Procedure; Human Factors; Aircraft
Our aircraft was a Diamond DA20. It is not IFR qualified; however; multiple other instructors advised to file IFR flight plan for training purposes and just advise ATC of the aircraft. On the initial climb; there were clouds in the vicinity; but rest of the route was clear below 9;000 ft. Our cruise altitude was 6;000 ft. At 4;000 ft; ATC instructed us to climb to 6;000 ft. As the clouds got closer and unsure if we were going to clear them; I advised ATC of the aircraft certification and that we may need a vector around. Previous days to this; it was a 'ok copy no problem; let us know if you need something'. Tonight it became an issue and the controller did not agree/understand. I advised that both pilots are IFR capable; just the aircraft is certified VMC only. He then instructed me to contact [ATC] at the conclusion of my flight. My student and I discussed the matter. I should have applied what I was taught; but went on word of mouth happenings from other instructors. I am fully aware of the rules now and will comply with all policies and procedures and no longer file IFR in a VMC only aircraft. I was not intending on breaking any rules; just simply doing it so my student could get more experience talking with air traffic control. I will ensure I go back to the flight school and advise everyone about this matter and that we cannot file IFR in a VFR only aircraft.
DV20 flight instructor reported incorrectly filing an IFR flight plan in a VFR only aircraft.