Narrative:

I was the instructor; flying with a student; performing a practice IFR approach into ZZZ ILS xx. The conditions at the time were VMC; with a small overcast patch along the coast; five miles west of ZZZ; with tops at approximately; 1;000 ft. We could clearly see the airport and were never in IMC. Upon hand off from approach I was told to expect visual for xxl; to which I asked if we could get a GPS practice approach for runway xx. I was told they were unable due to the use of runway xy. I obtained the ATIS; contacted ATC and asked if we could do the ILS xy. To which ATC responded this was on request. Subsequently we were vectored for what I thought was a practice approach to ILS xy. We were cleared to descend to 2;400; heading 270. Then heading of 300. Then heading of 055; 2;400 ft. Until established; cleared for the ILS xy. Approximately 45 seconds after initial clearance; we were told we could turn 090. I acknowledged. 40 seconds later; ATC asks if we're in the turn. I acknowledge we are in the turn. 30 seconds later; ATC asks us to check our altitude; and states the MVA is 3;800 ft. I realized immediately that ATC thought this was a hazard and we were flying toward the mountainous terrain; so I promptly responded; explaining that we were VFR and had the field in sight. To which ATC responded; IFR cancellation received no separation services provided; contact tower. We continued to join the localizer and followed the ILS (continuing the practice approach) into runway xy and landed. I called the phone number provided for a possible pilot deviation. I was told I was on an IFR flight plan. I explained that this was an instruction session and this was supposed to be a VFR practice approach. The controller stated there may have been a miscommunication. In my attempt to allow the student some leeway in order to learn; we crossed the ILS xy localizer and we were correcting to establish. I knew once the controller explained the MVA altitude that I needed to clarify with him that we were VMC and had the field in sight in order to alleviate any stress upon the controller. Furthermore; we were conducting this approach with the autopilot. Upon debriefing with the student; it was clear automation was a factor in the overall completion of the turn from a heading of 300 to an overall heading of 090; a total 150 degrees.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: C182 Instructor reported that a miscommunication caused ATC to believe that the flight was IFR and below the sector MVA.

Narrative: I was the instructor; flying with a student; performing a practice IFR approach into ZZZ ILS XX. The conditions at the time were VMC; with a small overcast patch along the coast; five miles west of ZZZ; with tops at approximately; 1;000 ft. We could clearly see the airport and were never in IMC. Upon hand off from approach I was told to expect visual for XXL; to which I asked if we could get a GPS practice approach for Runway XX. I was told they were unable due to the use of Runway XY. I obtained the ATIS; contacted ATC and asked if we could do the ILS XY. To which ATC responded this was on request. Subsequently we were vectored for what I thought was a practice approach to ILS XY. We were cleared to descend to 2;400; heading 270. Then heading of 300. Then heading of 055; 2;400 ft. until established; cleared for the ILS XY. Approximately 45 seconds after initial clearance; we were told we could turn 090. I acknowledged. 40 seconds later; ATC asks if we're in the turn. I acknowledge we are in the turn. 30 seconds later; ATC asks us to check our altitude; and states the MVA is 3;800 ft. I realized immediately that ATC thought this was a hazard and we were flying toward the mountainous terrain; so I promptly responded; explaining that we were VFR and had the field in sight. To which ATC responded; IFR cancellation received no separation services provided; contact Tower. We continued to join the localizer and followed the ILS (continuing the practice approach) into Runway XY and landed. I called the phone number provided for a possible pilot deviation. I was told I was on an IFR flight plan. I explained that this was an instruction session and this was supposed to be a VFR practice approach. The Controller stated there may have been a miscommunication. In my attempt to allow the student some leeway in order to learn; we crossed the ILS XY localizer and we were correcting to establish. I knew once the Controller explained the MVA altitude that I needed to clarify with him that we were VMC and had the field in sight in order to alleviate any stress upon the Controller. Furthermore; we were conducting this approach with the autopilot. Upon debriefing with the student; it was clear automation was a factor in the overall completion of the turn from a heading of 300 to an overall heading of 090; a total 150 degrees.

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.