Originally Posted by
kme9418
Sort of agree with your statement above but not applicable. VFR/IFR is not the same as VMC/IMC. If you are operating under INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES (which we nearly always are in the USAF), you must meet the same requirements whether IMC or VMC.
True, but if you are flying IFR in VMC you can always declare an emergency, cancel IFR and state your intentions to ATC. You should have already done a thorough terrain study, your single engine performance, the minimum ceiling/vis weather you need and have an idea for what you're going to do beforehand and you can execute from there.
If you're VFR you still need the higher of 200 ft/nm (or 152 if you get it waived) or the min IFR gradient, but if the departure procedure/missed approach is taking you north and you need a 400 ft/nm gradient but you look out the window and decide to turn south that IFR gradient no longer applies
Bottom line is know what's safe, smart and legal and hack the mission from there.