what is an ifr clearance

An IFR

clearance is the point or location to which is aircraft is cleared to operate in, under Instrument Flight Rules, when issued by air traffic clearance. A clearance limit can be the intended landing airport, intersection, NAVAID, or waypoint.

Full Answer

What is an IFR clearance limit?

What Is an IFR Clearance Limit? An IFR clearance is the point or location to which is aircraft is cleared to operate in, under Instrument Flight Rules, when issued by air traffic clearance. A clearance limit can be the intended landing airport, intersection, NAVAID, or waypoint.

What happens when ATC issues you an IFR clearance?

When ATC issues this clearance, the block of airspace between the minimum IFR altitude to the altitude in your clearance is yours to use. You can climb, descend, and level off at any intermediate altitude within the block of airspace, all the way to your destination under IFR.

What are the 5 critical parts of an IFR clearance?

The 5 critical parts of an IFR clearance are easily remembered using the acronym CRAFT, which stands for Clearance Limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency, and Transponder. 1. Clearance Limit ('C' in 'CRAFT')

Can I use special VFR clearance at the airport?

It’s not an IFR clearance, so if your aircraft is a VFR-only aircraft, you can use special VFR (but only between sunrise and sunset). Note: airfields are considered IFR when the clouds are less than 1000′ and/or the visibility is less than 3 statute miles anywhere within 5 nautical miles from the airport.

What does IFR stand for?

Instrument Flight RulesVFR stands for Visual Flight Rules. IFR stands for Instrument Flight Rules. Depending on the weather conditions a pilot may opt for one set of rules or the other. Mostly, it's the weather that makes the pilot fly VFR or IFR.

What is a VFR clearance?

“A Special VFR Clearance is an ATC authorization for a VFR aircraft to operate in weather that is less than the basic VFR minima. Basic VFR minima are 1,000-foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility. If the reported weather is less, a pilot can request a Special VFR Clearance.

Can you fly IFR without a clearance?

In theory, a pilot can operate in sub-VMC conditions under IFR without an ATC clearance in Class G airspace. However, to enter or operate in controlled airspace under IFR, an ATC clearance is required.

How do I get my IFR clearance?

Formerly Lockheed Martin Flight Service, you can pick up an IFR clearance over the phone by calling 1-800-WX-BRIEF or 1-888-766-8267 (dedicated for IFR clearances).

What are the elements of an IFR clearance?

One way to remember the components of an ATC clearance for IFR is CRAFT:Clearance limit.Route.Altitude.Frequency for departure.Transponder code.

How long is IFR clearance good for?

The FAA states, "pilots who depart at or after their clearance void time are not afforded IFR separation and may be in violation of 14CFR Section 91.173." The time issued in your clearance cannot exceed 30 minutes in length before a new clearance must be issued.

Can VFR pilots fly in rain?

So: In my view, flying VFR in heavy rain is not a serious problem as long as you maintain adequate visibility. The same goes for IFR as long as you watch out for heavy precipitation associated with convection and you make sure your electronics stay dry.”

Where is Special VFR not allowed?

14 CFR Section 91.157 prohibits VFR aircraft (other than helicopters) from landing at any airport within a surface area when ground visibility is less than 1 mile. A pilot could inadvertently encounter conditions that are below SVFR minimums after entering a surface area due to rapidly changing weather.

Do all IFR flights require a flight plan?

Every time a pilot wants to fly in controlled airspace under IFR, whether that is prior to departure or prior to entering controlled airspace, a flight plan is required. An IFR flight plan should be submitted at least 30 minutes before departure.

Can you fly IFR in golf airspace?

Class Golf ( Class G ) airspace is the uncontrolled "govern free" airspace which is void from Air Traffic Control ( ATC ) jurisdiction. Class G airspace supports both Instrument Flight Rules ( IFR ) and Visual Flight Rules ( VFR ) operations within.

What is the latest a flight can take off?

For flights landing at U.S. airports, airlines are required to provide passengers with an opportunity to safely get off of the airplane before 3 hours for domestic flights and 4 hours for international flights.

How early can I get my IFR clearance?

You can generally get your clearance 30 minutes prior to the departure time you listed on your flight plan. If you call clearance delivery prior to that they likely won't have it and will tell you to call back 30 minutes prior to departure.

What is the difference between VFR and IFR?

VFR refers to the parts of the regulations that deal with flying visually. They are the “visual flight rules.” And logically, IFR regulations are those dealing with “instrument flight rules.” These sets of regulations, found in FAR Part 91, layout the basics for ways you can operate an aircraft.

Does VFR need clearance?

An ATC clearance is required for all aircraft to operate in the area, and all aircraft that are so cleared receive separation services within the airspace. The cloud clearance requirement for VFR operations is “clear of clouds.” Operating Rules and Pilot/Equipment Requirements.

Do pilots need security clearance?

All persons wishing to obtain flight training in the United States must either prove that they are a U.S. citizen or must obtain a clearance from the United States Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) prior to beginning their training. All prospective students that do not have a U.S., F.A.A.

What does closing airspace mean?

An airspace closure means that aircrafts are prohibited from flying over or entering certain areas and this is mainly due to safety concerns for all aircrafts (crews and passengers onboard) and also to those who are also situated on the ground level.

Should pilots have to file clearances when they fly?

It is not necessary to file a complete flight plan with the request for clearance, but pilots should state their intentions in sufficient detail to permit ATC to fit their flight into the traffic flow.

What altitude can you turn after takeoff?

Generally, the consensus is that you shouldn't turn unless you're above 1000 feet AGL. If you need a one size fits all approach that may be a good one, but we all have different size feet. You must decide what's right for you. As an instructor, I'm a firm believer in personal minimums.

What are IFR minimums?

IFR means a ceiling less than 1,000 feet AGL and/or visibility less than three miles. Low IFR (LIFR) is a sub-category of IFR. VFR means a ceiling greater than 3,000 feet AGL and visibility greater than five miles. Marginal VFR (MVFR) is a sub- category of VFR. Step 2 – Assess Your Experience and Comfort Level.

What is the standard IFR climb gradient?

200 feet per nautical mileThe standard aircraft departure climb gradient (CG) is 200 feet per nautical mile. This value is designed to provide 48 feet of clearance at one nautical mile from the departure end of the runway (DER).

How do you get a VFR clearance?

As a pilot performing a VFR flight and departing from a controlled airfield, you must contact the ATC before taxi in order to have the initial VFR clearance. You will obtain this clearance from a ground or tower controller. At other airports, you may ask the approach controller to provide your clearance.

Does VFR need clearance?

An ATC clearance is required for all aircraft to operate in the area, and all aircraft that are so cleared receive separation services within the airspace. The cloud clearance requirement for VFR operations is “clear of clouds.” Operating Rules and Pilot/Equipment Requirements.

What does a Special VFR clearance allow?

Special VFR clearances allow VFR pilots to land at surface E, class D, and some C and B airports when the field is IFR, but only if the pilot can maintain clear of clouds and the visibility is at least 1 SM.

What are minimum VFR conditions?

Basic VFR Weather Minimums cloud ceiling at least 1,000 feet AGL; and. ground visibility at least 3 statute miles (usually measured by ATC but, if not available, flight visibility at least 3 statute miles as estimated by the pilot).

What if the destination airport is not covered by a TEC route?

If the destination airport is not covered by a TEC route and is not a ZLA civilian class B/C airport, then determine if it is covered by an LOA with one of our neighbors. If it is covered by an LOA, then issue a route that complies with the LOA and also ensures that the route includes a SID or mimics a SID (as discussed in 2-2 above). A few of our LOAs specify a maximum cruise altitude, or assign different procedures depending on the final altitude of the aircraft; ensure these requirements are met in your clearance.

What is the IFR clearance limit?

It is exactly what it stands for. The limit of the IFR clearance, beyond which pilot cannot fly IMC, unless he either receives further clearance, or chooses to terminate his IFR flight plan. This limit, as you will learn while working Clearance Delivery position, is often the aircraft's destination airport.

What is TEC route?

TEC routes include a cruise altitude. The clearance issued should ensure the pilot is assigned an "expect" altitude appropriate for the TEC route (i.e. "expect niner thousand five minutes after departure"). Aircraft are required to be routed via a TEC route if one is available.

What is the acronym for IFR clearance?

The 5 critical parts of an IFR clearance are easily remembered using the acronym CRAFT, which stands for Clearance Limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency, and Transponder.

How to determine the runway in use for ZOA?

You can determine the runway in use by contacting the LAX_CTR controller or one of the ZOA controllers. For example, when landing west, SFO requires a routing via SERFR, then the SERFR3 arrival. When landing east, aircraft are required to be routed via SERFR, then the WWAVS1 arrival. If the test does not specify a configuration for SJC/OAK/SFO, presume that they are using west operations.

Where is the correct initial altitude assignment located?

The correct initial altitude assignments can be found located in the ZLA Initial Altitude Assignments SOP. The final altitude can be omitted unless an amendment is required.

How to pronounce "altitude below 18000"?

Pronounce Altitudes below 18000' by stating the numbers in front of the comma in individual form, followed by the word "thousand", and the numbers after it in group form. If the numbers after the comma are all zeros, then end on "thousand". Aircraft should be told to expect their final altitude 5 minutes after departure. For example;

You're Departing A Non-Towered Airport Under IFR

Unlike flying out of a towered airport, to depart with IFR separation from a non-towered field, ATC will issue a "clearance void time." According to the FAA's AIM 5-2-7, this time will help ATC manage separation for multiple IFR departures and arrivals into the same airport.

Pilot Deviations: Taking Off Late Or Failing To Cancel Your Flight Plan

If you don't contact ATC within 30 minutes after your clearance void time, ATC will mark you as an overdue aircraft and initiate search and rescue procedures. Plus, you may have just shut down the airspace.

Be A Courteous Pilot

When you're flying in/out of non-towered airports under IFR, be courteous to other IFR pilots. Without rushing, do your best to be expeditious with your departures and arrivals so that other IFR traffic isn't forced to sit on the ground or spend too much time holding in the air.

How Often Do You Depart IFR From Non-Towered Fields?

If you fly IFR into non-towered airports, you probably hear void times a lot. How often do you choose to fly into towered vs. non-towered airports under IFR? Tell us in the comments below.

How do you increase your chances of getting an “as filed” clearance?

Step 1: Go to Fltplan.com (Foreflight also has this feature) and fill out your departure and arrival airports.

What to do when you understand the basic format of a clearance?

When you understand the basic format of a clearance you can anticipate what they will say prior to calling which is key to copying clearances. With that said, there are things every pilot can do to set themselves up for success during flight planning and prior to calling.

How many letters are in a VOR?

Remember, they are always five letters unless they are a VOR which is three letters. Second, study the departure procedure and all the names of the VORs in the departure plate prior to calling. A lot of VORs have abbreviations that aren’t remotely close to the three letter identifier.

What to do if you don't get an ATC clearance?

If you don’t get an “As filed” clearance, take a deep breath. There are two things you can do to help when ATC issues a new clearance. First, don’t be a hero, ask the controller to spell out the points. Remember, they are always five letters unless they are a VOR which is three letters.

Why do pilots use the CRAFT mnemonic?

Some pilots use the ‘CRAFT” mnemonic to remember what’s in a clearance. Personally, I’ve never found that mnemonic helpful when I’m actually copying a clearance, and I’ll show you why in this article. But, some people like it, so I’ll throw it out there.

How long after departure do you expect to be at altitude?

Sometimes clearance will give you an altitude to expect 5 or 10 minutes after departure. Not all airports do this. I use “x” for “expect. The “x 5” is just a reminder it’s 5 minutes. This is what I write:

What happens after the destination airport?

After the destination airport comes the departure procedure or the heading. If I’m familiar with the airport and know what SID they’ll give, I write it down before I call. Every airport has it’s favorite departure procedure and you will learn them over time.

What is ATC clearance?

The clearance that ATC provides consists of a specific set of information in a specific order and once the pilot has copied it, must read it back so that both ATC and the pilot/flight crew are in agreement regarding the expectations that the pilot will follow the Clearance PRECISELY. During the flight, ATC can and very often will give the aircraft “amendments” (changes) to the Clearance. These changes mostly include assigning different altitudes and/or changes to the routing.

How long before a flight plan is printed?

However, just because the strip hasn’t yet printed, that doesn’t mean it’s not yet in the system. Flight service computers upload the flight plans to the ATC system before the 30-minute mark. At most of the locations I’ve worked, this is about two hours before the proposed departure time, although it can vary. As long as I can find the flight plan in the system, I can “force” it to be assigned a transponder code and print out. If the flight plan is not yet in the ATC system, then you’ll either have to wait, update your proposed departure time (with flight service or whatever system you use to file), or re-file with a new proposed departure time.

How to file IFR while airborne?

If you find that you are encountering instrument conditions while still en route to your destination, you can file IFR while airborne by either making the request of an Air Traffic C

When to contact FSS?

It is recommended to contact FSS if ATC is busy, you don’t want occupy the frequency that long to get the full clearance and read it back.

Can IFR planes be in class G?

You can have an IFR Flight plan that is exclusively or partially in class G airspace . In many countries (including the US) you are obligated to file the flight plan, open it with ATC and remain in 2 way communication (although in remote areas that may include a known blacked out part of the route and a hand off to the agency on the ‘other side’ that you pick up in range.

What is income statement?

Normally, the Income Statement (Profit & Loss) showing the results of managing the company's assets and liabilities in given period or operation cycle. In some circumstances, the IAS/IFRS or GAAP allows the reporter to accumulate profit or loss from a particular asset and show it in the Financial Position Statement (Balance Sheet) under the Equity category (ex. Fair value reserve & P, P & E appreciation reserve).

What does Smallville Ground Control say?

Smallville Ground Control: “I have your clearance, tell me when you’re ready to copy.”

Receiving (Or Requesting) a Cruise Clearance

The term "cruise" can be used by ATC to assign an IFR aircraft a block of airspace. It will sound something like this:

Why Would This Clearance Be Issued?

While ATC can issue a cruise clearance, you can also request one. You'll find cruise clearances most commonly being issued by controllers in sparsely populated areas with little air traffic. Don't try requesting a cruise clearance through Chicago, because you're probably not going to get it.

What is clearance delivery?

Clearance delivery is simply a control tower position responsible for transmitting departure clearances to IFR flights. Clearances can often be drawn out and long so having a CD frequency prevents an abundance of traffic on ground frequency.

How to get clearance for IFR?

The process of obtaining a clearance starts first with the pilot filling out an IFR flight plan. An IFR flight plan is identical to that of a VFR in that it will contain aircraft and route information. ATC will issue a clearance based off the information from the IFR flight plan. It’s important to understand though that the clearance may not be the exact route or altitude that you selected when filling out your IFR flight plan. ATC priority is traffic flow and aircraft separation so you may note changes in your clearance from what you originally filled.

What is an IFR clearance?

A clearance is simply an authorization from ATC to fly to an airport or fix via an assigned route and altitude. Any operation in controlled airspace under IFR requires the pilot to first obtain a clearance to do so.

Do you have to read back your ATC clearance?

Now once your clearance is read to you by ATC you must read it back and do so in the identical order as it was given. This is done to make sure both parties are on the same page and the clearance was properly read and read back from both ATC and PIC.

Can you deviate from an ATC issued clearance?

Following the read back from the pilot-in-command that clearance has been accepted and ATC expects you to follow it. You may not deviate from that issued clearance unless an amended clearance is obtained, an emergency situation arises, or in response to a traffic and collision avoidance system resolution advisory.

What is a Special VFR clearance?

Special VFR clearances allow VFR pilots to land at surface E, class D, and some C and B airports when the field is IFR, but only if the pilot can maintain clear of clouds and the visibility is at least 1 SM.

How do you request Special VFR?

Does the airport have a tower and is the tower is open? Also, is the airport in Class G airspace? Because if it is, there is no requirement for a Special VFR clearance.

What to do if visibility drops below 1 mile?

If visibility drops below 1 mile you either need to A) get an IFR clearance B) If you aren’t IFR rated in an IFR aircraft then you must declare and emergency. Chances are you made some bad pre-mission planning and you need to land ASAP. C) Or you need to get out of the airspace. Your clearance is no longer valid.

How many statute miles do you need for VFR?

Basic requirements for Special VFR: Before you ask for a clearance you need to know the basics. First, the visibility must be at least 1 statute miles for airplanes and less for helicopters. So, if the METAR says 1/2 mile visibility, you will need to file an IFR flight plan or stay at home as a VFR pilot.

What is the VFR clearance for Class E?

Remember, though, if you end up staying in Class E airspace outside of the airport’s airspace (Class E starts at 700′ or 1200′ AGL), you have to maintain VFR cloud clearances (500′ below, 1000′ above and 2000′ horizontal).

What is surface class E?

In this case, you will need to call Center or Approach and request Special VFR clearance. Surface Class E airspace is “controlled” airspace. You can’t just give yourself a Special VFR clearance and waltz into surface Class E when the clouds are less than 1000′ AGL.

How do you know if a field is IFR?

You will know a field is IFR because the rotating beacon will come on during the day.