Preflight - IFR Flight Plan

Question 1

When must a pilot file an IFR flight plan?

Answer 1

Receive ATC clearance to departure/entering controlled airspace when Wx is below VFR minimums
Recommended to file at least 30 minutes prior to ETD

Question 2

When will ATC delete from the system a departure flight plan that has not been activated?

Answer 2

Most centers delete flight plans a minimum of 2 hours after ETD
Pilots should contact ATC if they will be delayed 2 hours or more

Question 3

When can you cancel your IFR flight plan?

Answer 3

IFR flight plan may be canceled In VMC outside of Class A airspace
Special conditions may be present in TRSA, Class C or B

Question 4

After filing an IFR flight plan, can you depart VFR and pick up your IFR clearance in the air?

Answer 4

VFR departure can expedite your departure but pilots should consider the following:

 - Pilot is responsible traffic separation 
 - Pilot is responsible for terrain and obstruction and remain in VFR 
 - Eases workload for ATC 
 - Must remain in VFR until able to pick up IFR clearance

Question 5

The requested altitude on an FAA flight plan form represents which altitude for the route of flight- the initial, lowest, highest?

Answer 5

The initial requested altitude, and subsequent altitude should be requested with the controller

Question 6

What are the alternate airport requirements?

Answer 6

91.169
Alternates are required if:
-1-2-3- rule 1 hour before and 1 hour after ETA Wx must be at least 2,000’ ceilings and 3 miles visibility is not satisfied
-If the airport has no IAPs
Standard alternate minimums must be present:
-800’ ceiling-2 if only non precision approaches are available
-600’ ceiling-2 if a precision approach is available
-If no IAPs exist the Wx must allow descent in VFR

Question 7

During preflight planning, you notice that your destination airport has not published instrument approach procedure. The weather is forecasted to be 3,000’ ceilings with 5 miles of visibility within the 1 hour before to 1 hour after your ETA. Are you required to file an alternate airport?

Answer 7

91.169
Yes per 91.169 an alternate must be included if:
-No IAP is published at the airport at the first intended airport
-or-
-1-2-3 is not satisfied

Question 8

What is the definition of the term “ceiling”?

Answer 8

Ceiling is defined as the lowest reported layer of “broken” “overcast” or “obscuration” does not include “thin” or “partial”

Question 9

What minimums are to be used on arrival at the alternate?

Answer 9

91.169

The minimums specified in the procedure used

Question 10

What restrictions apply concerning filing an airport as an alternate when using TSO-C129 and TSO-C196 (non-WAAS) GPS equipment?

Answer 10

TSO-C129 and TSO-C196 may file for GPS IAP at the destination or the alternate but not at both
Pilots may use alternate Wx minimums when using:
-LNAC or circling MDA
-LNAV/VNAV DA if equipped with baro-VNAV
-RNP 0.3 DA on RNAV(RNP) is authorized with baro-VNAV
To perform this the pilot must:
-Ensure Nav system has fault detection
-Perform RAIM prediciton
-Have proper knowledge and training for the approaches
*if above can not be met, a non GPS based approach must be available

Question 11

What instrument approach procedures may you flight plan to use as the planned approach at the required alternate when using TSO-C145/-C146 (WAAS) equipment?

Answer 11

TSO-C145/-C146 (WAAS) may plan any instrument approach the are capable of as the planned alternate with restrictions

Question 12

What restrictions apply to flight planning when using WAAS avionics at the alternate airport?

Answer 12

When using WAAS:

 - RNAV (GPS) LNAV or circling minima and non precision Wx requirements must be used for planning 
 - LNAV/VNAV or LPV may be used once at alternate