FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsMedium
A pilot on an IFR flight plan breaks out of the clouds well before the destination and is now in clear VFR conditions outside Class A airspace. The pilot wants to cancel the IFR flight plan to proceed direct without ATC routing restrictions. Which statement about canceling the IFR flight plan is correct?
- AThe pilot may cancel IFR while operating in VFR conditions outside Class A airspace, after which ATC separation services end
- BThe pilot may cancel IFR only after landing and taxiing clear of the runway
- CThe pilot must first obtain a clearance amendment from ATC before any cancellation is valid
- DThe pilot may cancel IFR at any time regardless of weather conditions, including while still in IMC
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The pilot may cancel IFR while operating in VFR conditions outside Class A airspace, after which ATC separation services end
A pilot operating on an IFR flight plan may cancel it while operating in VFR conditions outside Class A airspace. Once canceled, the pilot assumes responsibility for separation from other traffic and terrain/obstacles, as ATC no longer provides IFR separation services.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Cancellation can occur in flight; it is not limited to after landing.
- C. No separate clearance amendment is needed; the pilot simply notifies ATC or FSS of the cancellation.
- D. IFR cancellation is not permitted while still in IMC, since the pilot must remain under IFR protection.
Canceling an IFR Flight Plan
A pilot may cancel an IFR flight plan in flight only while operating in VFR conditions outside Class A airspace, after which ATC no longer provides IFR separation services.
- Cancellation requires VFR conditions and airspace outside Class A.
- Pilot must notify ATC or the nearest FSS directly.
- Once canceled, IFR separation services end immediately.
- Pilot must not cancel while still in IMC.
Memory trick: 'Cancel only under blue skies, never in the gray.'