Before Departing IFR

Question 1

How can you file an IFR flight plan?

Answer 1

Flight Service, 1-800-WX-BRIEF, Remote Communications or Ground Communications Outlet, www.1800wxbrief.com, FSS radio while airborne, ATC “Pop-Up” Clearance, commercial third party websites like www.skyvector.com, www.fltplan.com, ForeFlight or other EFBs.

Question 2

When should IFR flight plans be filed?

Answer 2

At least 30 minutes prior to estimated departure time.

Question 3

When should direct routes be used in IFR flight planning?

Answer 3

Only if necessary.

Question 4

What is a recommended route feature for crossing multiple control sectors in IFR flight planning?

Answer 4

Include at least one waypoint in each sector.

Question 5

What should a pilot specify in the flight plan remarks if they do not want DPs and arrivals assigned?

Answer 5

“No SIDs/STARS”.

Question 6

How should altitudes be chosen for IFR flight planning according to direction of flight conventions?

Answer 6

Odd thousands for eastbound courses, even thousands for westbound.

Question 7

Where can preferred IFR routes be found?

Answer 7

Preferred routes in the chart supplement, ForeFlight route advisor, prior ATC cleared routes (FlightAware).

Question 8

What are the elements of an IFR clearance?

Answer 8

Clearance Limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency, Transponder Code.

Question 9

What is included in an abbreviated departure clearance?

Answer 9

Clearance limit, any DP and transition point, altitude, frequency, and transponder code.

Question 10

How is an IFR release coordinated at tower-controlled airports?

Answer 10

The tower coordinates a release with ATC.

Question 11

How is an IFR release coordinated at non-towered airports?

Answer 11

The pilot coordinates release via clearance frequency if available on field, phone line connection to ATC facility, or relay through Flight Service using RCO or GCO.

Question 12

What does “hold for release” mean in IFR departure?

Answer 12

An IFR departure cannot be made until released by ATC.

Question 13

What does a release time indicate in an IFR clearance?

Answer 13

The earliest that the aircraft may depart IFR.

Question 14

What does a clearance void time indicate in an IFR clearance?

Answer 14

The latest you can depart IFR.

Question 15

What additional instruction might be given along with a clearance void time?

Answer 15

A notify time, the latest an aircraft should advise ATC if a departure has not been made before the void time.

Question 16

Give an example of an IFR clearance.

Answer 16

“N518FT. Cleared to Atlantic City Airport. Radar vectors to PALEO, Victor 44, Sea Isle. Maintain 2,000. Expect 7,000 10 minutes after departure. Departure frequency 125.65. Squawk 4211.”

Question 17

Give an example of an abbreviated departure clearance.

Answer 17

“N518FT. John Wayne Clearance. Cleared to North Las Vegas Airport. Anaheim One Departure. Hector Transition, then as filed. Climb via the SID. Departure frequency on 133.85. Squawk 5174.”

Question 18

Give an example of an IFR release.

Answer 18

“N518FT. Released for departure at 1450 zulu. Clearance void if not off by 1455 zulu. Advise ATC of intentions no later than 1500 zulu. Time now 1448 zulu.”