AIM Text
- Flight plans which combine VFR operation on an active VFR flight plan for one portion of a flight, and IFR for another portion, sometimes known as a composite flight plan, cannot be accepted or processed by current en route automation systems.
- Pilots are free to operate VFR in VFR conditions prior to accepting an IFR clearance from the appropriate control facility, or may cancel an IFR clearance and proceed VFR as desired. However, if a pilot desires to be on an active VFR flight plan, with search and rescue provisions, for the portion of flight not conducted under an IFR clearance, a separate VFR flight plan must be filed, activated, and closed.
- If a pilot desires to be on an active VFR flight plan prior to or following the IFR portion of the flight, that flight plan must be filed and processed as a distinct and separate flight plan. The VFR flight plan must be opened and closed with either a Flight Service Station or other service provider having the capability to open and close VFR flight plans. Air Traffic Control does not have the ability to determine if an aircraft is operating on an active VFR flight plan and cannot process the activation or cancellation of a VFR flight plan.
- Pilots may propose to commence the IFR portion of flight at a defined airborne point. This airborne point, or fix, is entered as the departure point in Item 13 of FAA Form 7233-4 or DD Form 1801.
- Pilots may indicate in the IFR flight plan the intention to terminate the IFR portion of flight at any defined airborne point. The airborne point, or fix, is entered as the destination point in Item 16 of FAA Form 7233-4 or DD Form 1801.
- Prior to beginning the IFR portion of flight, a pilot must receive an IFR clearance from the appropriate control facility.
- If the pilot does not desire further clearance after reaching the clearance limit, he or she must advise ATC to cancel the IFR clearance.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-1-9.
Research Notes
AIM 5-1-9 covers Pre-Taxi Clearance Procedures — early IFR clearance issuance for departing aircraft.
The pre-taxi clearance: At certain airports, IFR aircraft can request their IFR clearance from Clearance Delivery before starting taxi. This is convenient — the pilot has the clearance in hand before pushback, reducing the time spent on the taxiway waiting for clearance.
Operational sequence:
- Contact Clearance Delivery on the published frequency
- State "with information [ATIS letter]"
- Request clearance and any specific requirements (e.g., specific routing)
- Receive the CRAFT clearance and read it back
- Switch to Ground frequency for taxi instructions
The 'void time' variant for non-towered airports: Pilot calls Center via phone or GCO, gets clearance with a void time, takes off before the void time.
Reference: § 91.173; AIM 5-1-9; AIM 5-2-1 (Pre-taxi Clearance).