DV20 flight instructor reported incorrectly filing an IFR flight plan in a VFR only aircraft.

Narrative:

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.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: DV20 flight instructor reported incorrectly filing an IFR flight plan in a VFR only aircraft.

Narrative: 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.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	1485648
Time
Date	201710
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Flight Conditions	VMC
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	DA20-C1 Eclipse
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 91
Flight Phase	Climb
Route In Use	Vectors
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Instructor Pilot Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Commercial Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 31 Flight Crew Total 298 Flight Crew Type 16
Events
Anomaly	Deviation - Procedural Clearance Deviation - Procedural FAR Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy