FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)IFR Procedures and ChartsMedium
A pilot is planning an IFR flight from a non-towered airport. The ATIS is unavailable, and the pilot cannot receive a clearance from ATC prior to taxiing for takeoff. What is the appropriate procedure for obtaining an IFR clearance?
- AWait for the ATIS to become available or for ATC to contact the aircraft on the ground for clearance.
- BTaxi to the runway and transmit on the CTAF that the pilot is departing IFR, then contact ATC airborne.
- CDepart VFR and contact ATC once airborne to pick up the IFR clearance.
- DContact Flight Service Station (FSS) by radio or telephone to obtain the clearance.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Contact Flight Service Station (FSS) by radio or telephone to obtain the clearance.
At airports without an operating control tower or where ATIS/clearance delivery is unavailable, pilots can typically contact Flight Service Station (FSS) via radio (RCO/RCAG frequencies) or telephone to obtain their IFR clearance. This ensures the clearance is received before departure while still on the ground.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Waiting for ATIS or ATC contact is impractical if those services are genuinely unavailable or not operational at that time.
- B. Transmitting on CTAF for IFR departure does not constitute obtaining an IFR clearance from ATC.
- C. While possible, departing VFR and picking up IFR airborne is not the preferred method and can add to ATC workload and potential delays, especially in busy airspace.
Obtaining IFR Clearance at Non-Towered Airport
At non-towered airports without direct ATC contact, IFR clearances are typically obtained by contacting Flight Service Station (FSS) via radio (RCO/RCAG) or telephone prior to takeoff.
- FSS acts as a relay for ATC clearances.
- Utilize RCO/RCAG frequencies or telephone.
- Clearance should be obtained before taxi/takeoff.
- Avoid departing VFR to pick up IFR airborne if ground options exist.
Memory trick: Clearance: 'Call FSS first, then fly safe'.