Roberta Aguirre
When preparing for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) travel, it is important to understand the procedures for contacting the destination airport. The process varies depending on whether the airport is controlled or uncontrolled, and each airport has its own set of IFR departure instructions. Obtaining an IFR clearance at a non-towered airport is different from a larger airport with an air traffic control tower, and pilots should be aware of the specific requirements and procedures. This includes understanding the clearance void time, communication methods, and the responsibility for terrain and traffic avoidance. In some cases, it may be necessary to contact the destination airport in advance to obtain essential information for a safe IFR departure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to contact destination airport IFR | When operating from an airport without a control tower, pilots may receive a clearance containing a provision for the clearance to be void if not airborne by a specific time. |
| If a pilot does not depart before the clearance void time, they must inform ATC of their intentions as soon as possible. | |
| If a pilot cannot establish contact on clearance delivery frequency or has not received an IFR clearance before being ready to taxi, they should contact ground control and inform the controller. | |
| If a pilot is flying out of a small private airfield with nearby obstructions, they should call the center on the phone to receive a clearance. | |
| If a pilot is flying out of a non-towered airport, they can pick up an IFR clearance over the phone by calling 1-800-WX-BRIEF or 1-888-766-8267 (dedicated for IFR clearances). | |
| If a pilot is flying out of a non-towered airport, they can try contacting flight service over the radio by locating the correct frequency in the chart supplement or on an airport chart. | |
| If a pilot is flying out of a non-towered airport that underlies busy airspace, they can use a clearance delivery frequency listed on an airport chart or approach plate. | |
| If a pilot is flying out of a non-towered airport and cannot get phone reception or radio contact, they can try contacting aircraft flying overhead for a relay clearance. | |
| If a pilot is flying into an airport not served by a tower or FSS, after ATC advises "CHANGE TO ADVISORY FREQUENCY APPROVED", they should broadcast their intentions, including the type of approach being executed, their position, and when over the final approach fix inbound. |
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What You'll Learn
IFR departure from a private airfield with obstructions
Departing from a private airfield under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) with obstructions requires careful planning and adherence to specific procedures. Here are some key considerations and steps to follow for a safe IFR departure:
First, it is important to understand the differences between departing from a controlled airport and an uncontrolled or "pilot-controlled" airport. Uncontrolled airports typically have no control tower, and obtaining an IFR clearance may involve different procedures. It is crucial to review the specific requirements of the airfield you are departing from.
Prior to departure, ensure that you have a valid IFR clearance. This clearance will outline the necessary details for your flight, including your destination airport, route, altitudes, and transponder code. If you are departing from an uncontrolled airport, you may need to contact a nearby TRACON or Center facility to obtain your IFR clearance.
When obtaining your IFR clearance, it is essential to consider any obstructions or terrain challenges at the airfield. If there is no published Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) available, you must carefully assess the performance capabilities of your aircraft and your ability to navigate around any obstacles. The standard departure procedure in the absence of an ODP is to cross the departure end of the runway at least 35 feet above the departure end of the runway elevation, climb to 400 feet before making any turns, and maintain a minimum climb gradient of 200 feet per nautical mile until reaching the minimum IFR altitude.
Some private airfields may have specific departure procedures due to nearby obstructions. For example, you may need to depart using a specific runway and make left turns towards a direction free of obstacles, as indicated in your clearance. Always review the communications section of the Chart Supplement for the airfield to identify the appropriate frequencies and contact information for obtaining your clearance.
Additionally, be mindful of any “hold for release” instructions in your clearance. These instructions may delay your departure for traffic management reasons, such as weather or traffic volume. If you receive a "hold for release" instruction, do not depart until a release time or additional instructions are provided by Air Traffic Control (ATC).
In summary, departing from a private airfield with obstructions under IFR requires careful planning, consideration of terrain and obstructions, and adherence to standard or specific departure procedures. Always ensure you have a valid IFR clearance and follow any instructions provided by ATC to ensure a safe departure.
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IFR clearance at a non-towered airport
Obtaining an IFR clearance at a non-towered airport is more challenging and requires careful planning. It is important to note that only one IFR aircraft is allowed to arrive or depart from a non-towered airport at a time. This "one-in-one-out" rule is implemented to ensure safe separation between aircraft.
There are several methods to obtain an IFR clearance at a non-towered airport:
- Call a flight service briefer over the radio: They will relay your request to the center or approach controller responsible for the airspace you are located in. This option may require multiple attempts to get your message across, so some pilots prefer to use the phone instead.
- Call Center or Approach Control directly: If the weather permits, you can depart VFR and then contact Approach Control directly. They will provide your IFR clearance if their workload allows, or they may direct you to reach out to the nearest FSS.
- Use a clearance delivery phone number: You can contact an AFSS specialist who can relay the clearance from the TRACON or Center. This number can be found by calling the flight service station, listening to the AWOS from the departing airport, or referring to the chart supplement.
It is worth noting that obtaining a clearance on the ground can be challenging due to void times. A void time specifies the latest time an aircraft may depart, and if this time is exceeded, the clearance is no longer valid, and the process must be restarted. Therefore, it is crucial to respect the void time and understand the landing restrictions this places on other pilots.
Additionally, when contacting Center, ensure they are not too busy, as they are doing you a favor by taking your request on the ground. It is always a good idea to check with local sources, such as the FBO or a local flight school, to understand the specific procedures and methods used at the airport.
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IFR clearance at an uncontrolled airport
Obtaining an IFR clearance at an uncontrolled airport is more challenging and requires more planning than at a controlled airport. It is recommended that pilots obtain IFR clearances before taking off when two-way communication with the controlling ATC facility is available. Here are the steps and considerations for obtaining an IFR clearance at an uncontrolled airport:
Step 1: File a Flight Plan
Firstly, file a flight plan either through a service like Flight Service or by using an aviation app. This step remains the same regardless of your departure airport.
Step 2: Call for IFR Clearance
The second step can vary depending on your departure airport. At a controlled airport, you would simply call clearance delivery or ground control. At an uncontrolled airport, you have the following options:
- Call a flight service briefer over the radio, who will relay your request to the center or approach controller.
- Call the Center or Approach controller directly, using the frequency listed on the approach charts for your departure airport.
- Use a clearance delivery phone number to speak directly to the controller in charge of your airspace. These numbers are published in the chart supplement and accessible through aviation apps.
Step 3: Communicate with ATC After Takeoff
After takeoff, you will need to communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to transition into the en-route environment. ATC will protect the airspace from which your aircraft is departing until it is in radar contact and communicating with departure control.
Step 4: Understand Void Times
When ATC grants your clearance, they are blocking the airspace around the airport for other IFR aircraft. This clearance has an expiration date, known as a "void time." If you do not take off before the void time, your clearance is canceled, and you must contact ATC again. Respecting the void time is crucial to avoid disrupting arriving IFR traffic.
Step 5: Cancel IFR After Landing
Finally, remember to cancel your IFR clearance after landing or when your destination airport is in sight.
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ATC contact procedures
Departure Procedures:
- Obtaining Clearance: When departing from a controlled airport, contact the delivery frequency or ground control to obtain IFR clearance. If changes are made to the filed flight plan, inform the controller and request a full route clearance.
- Clearance Delivery: Many airports have the Terminal Data Link System (TDLS), which includes Pre-Departure Clearance (PDC) and Controller Pilot Data Link Communication-Departure Clearance (CPDLC-DCL) for automated clearance delivery operations.
- Uncontrolled Airports: When departing from an uncontrolled or "pilot-controlled" airport, obtain clearance by contacting a nearby TRACON or Center facility. Provide your tail number, location, and the IFR flight plan.
- RCO and GCO: At uncontrolled airports, use a Remote Communications Outlet (RCO) or Ground Communications Outlet (GCO) to contact ATC. Tune into the published frequency in the chart supplement or airport chart.
- Weather Considerations: If weather conditions are favourable, departing Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and transitioning to IFR after takeoff is preferable, as it avoids closing down airspace for other IFR traffic.
- Lost Communication Procedure: Familiarize yourself with the local IFR departure instructions. If you lose contact with ATC after departure, follow the assigned altitude and route to the designated VOR, which can help ATC establish radar contact.
- Clearance Void Time: If you don't depart within the clearance void time, inform ATC of your intentions as soon as possible. Failure to contact ATC within 30 minutes after the clearance void time will result in the initiation of search and rescue procedures.
Arrival Procedures:
- Automated Weather Data: Aircraft arriving at uncontrolled airports with automated weather data should monitor the ASOS/AWOS frequency to obtain current weather information. Pilots must advise ATC when they receive the broadcast weather and state their intentions.
- Visual Approaches: Verbal clearances from ATC do not automatically approve visual approaches to the airport or runway. Pilots must adhere to the charted descent procedures unless otherwise instructed by ATC.
- Approach Control: Prior to arriving at the destination radio facility, expect instructions from ARTCC to contact approach control on a specified frequency.
- Advisory Frequency: When approaching an uncontrolled airport without an operating tower or FSS, broadcast your intentions after receiving approval to change to the advisory frequency. This includes the type of approach, your position, and relevant fix information.
- Instrument Approaches: Refer to the SIAPs (Standard Instrument Approach Procedures) prescribed for the airport unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator or ATC. Military procedures published at civil airports take precedence for aircraft operating under specific regulations.
By adhering to these ATC contact procedures, pilots can ensure safe and efficient flight operations, maintaining constant communication with ATC and complying with the necessary regulations for IFR departures and arrivals.
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IFR clearance over the phone
IFR clearances are available over the phone at some airports. This is a recent development by the FAA, which has started assigning phone numbers to select airports across the US. The phone option is advantageous because it offers clearer communication than radio and does not clog up the radio frequencies.
To obtain an IFR clearance over the phone, you can call the clearance delivery phone number listed in the Chart Supplement for your departure field. You will speak directly to the controller in charge of your airspace or an assisting controller.
When you call, provide the following information:
- Aircraft call sign
- Location
- Type of operation (IFR)
- Name of the airport (or fix) to which you expect clearance
For example:
> "Washington clearance delivery (or ground control if appropriate) American Seventy Six at gate one, IFR Los Angeles."
If there have been changes to your flight plan, state the change and request a full route clearance. For example:
> "Washington clearance delivery, American Seventy Six at gate one. IFR San Francisco. My flight plan route has been amended (or destination changed). Request full route clearance."
Once the controller is ready to provide your IFR clearance, they will tell the flight service briefer, who will relay the clearance back to you. This option is available at most airports because flight service is typically reachable on the ground at nearly any airport in the US. However, keep in mind that since the information is relayed between three people, there is a chance for errors and delays.
Alternatively, you can try contacting the Center or Approach controller in charge of your airspace directly by radioing your request on the frequency listed on the approach charts for your departure airport.
Another option is to use your airplane's COM radio to contact ATC, eliminating the need for a cell phone. You can tune up the frequency published in the chart supplement, approach plate, or app, and press the push-to-talk button. This will allow you to communicate directly with a controller at a nearby ATC facility.
Remember, regardless of the method you use to obtain your IFR clearance, always request verification or clarification from ATC if any portion of the clearance is unclear.
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Frequently asked questions
IFR stands for Instrument Flight Rules.
A controlled airport has an air traffic control tower, while an uncontrolled airport does not. Uncontrolled airports are also known as "pilot-controlled" airports.
If you are flying into a controlled airport, you should contact the destination airport when you are ready to taxi. You will need to state your aircraft call sign, location, type of operation (IFR), and the name of the airport you expect clearance for.
If you are flying into an uncontrolled airport, you will need to obtain an IFR clearance before departure. You can do this by contacting flight service over the phone or radio. You can also try contacting aircraft flying overhead for a relay clearance if you are unable to reach anyone by phone or radio.
You will need to provide your aircraft call sign, location, type of operation (IFR), and the name of the airport you expect clearance for. If your flight plan has changed, you should also state the change and request a full route clearance.
