Date: 201307
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZZZ.TRACON, US
Flight conditions: IMC
Weather elements / visibility: Haze / Smoke; 1
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Operator: Other Instructor
Flight plan: None
Mission: Training
Flight phase: Cruise
ATC / advisory: TRACON ZZZ
Reporter organization: Other Instructor
Reporter function: Instructor
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Human factors: Situational Awareness; Training / Qualification
Anomaly: Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Crew; Person Air Traffic Control
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Contributing factors: Human Factors; Aircraft; Weather
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: Today's lesson began as a simulated IFR flight. During preflight the weather of the destination airport was 6 SM and my student decided to complete the flight. I am new to the Glass cockpit Cessna 172 and my Chief Pilot specifically instructed me 'VFR only'. During our cruise I was playing with the G1000; trying to understand the system better and be able to teach to my students. Before I realized [it]; the visibility went from +6 to less than 1. Immediately I asked for a pop up IFR clearance to my destination. Having received my clearance I began setting up the GPS for navigation purposes and situational awareness. I then recalled the instructions from my Chief Pilot; 'VFR only' and realized the need to return. I asked for a return clearance back; without canceling my IFR clearance. ATC asked me if I wanted to cancel; but the visibility was still poor and realizing I needed my clearance; I opted not to cancel. Without receiving a new clearance I deviated from my course and began a descent to the proper IFR altitude. I understand the mistake I have made today - FAR 91.123 No PIC may deviate from a clearance unless an amended clearance has been received; an emergency exists; or a alert on the TCAS system. I asked ATC for a clearance to return back; however I did not receive my clearance before beginning a descent and turn. However what I did know were the Minimum Enroute Altitudes for the Victor Airways I was most near and all have a MEA of at or above 3;000. I am not using this as an excuse; and I completely admit that the deviation of FAR 91.123 was a blatant lack of thinking and patience on my behalf. I have always found that I learn most from my mistakes; never have I violated an IFR clearance; but my IFR experience is not extensive. For this reason I chose to be a flight instructor. To learn from my mistakes and to teach from my own experiences. I apologize for my ignorance.




Synopsis: C172 instrument Flight Instructor in a G1000 equipped aircraft that he is not familiar with; has been told to fly VFR only. IMC is inadvertently encountered and an IFR clearance requested; but remembering the Chief Pilot's instructions; a turn and descent are initiated before the clearance is received.