Cancelling IFR while in Class B Airspace

R

ruth

New Member
I'm working with a student on her CFII. She is an experienced pilot with over a decade as an IR rated pilot (in fact she is currently a CFI).

Her quesion has to do with being in Class B airspace on an IFR flight, with an IFR clearance that takes you through Class B. What if, while in Class B on this IFR flight, you cancel IFR in VMC conditions.

Do you first need to request a VFR clearance into the Class B?

Technically, I think you do. You clearance was based on an IFR flight and if the IFR clearance is cancelled you are left in Class B without a clearance. What do you think?
 
ruth said:
I'm working with a student on her CFII. She is an experienced pilot with over a decade as an IR rated pilot (in fact she is currently a CFI).

Her quesion has to do with being in Class B airspace on an IFR flight, with an IFR clearance that takes you through Class B. What if, while in Class B on this IFR flight, you cancel IFR in VMC conditions.

Do you first need to request a VFR clearance into the Class B?

Technically, I think you do. You clearance was based on an IFR flight and if the IFR clearance is cancelled you are left in Class B without a clearance. What do you think?
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Technically you don't need a class B clearance but you do have to recieve altitude clearances and approval for course changes. IE you cancel IFR while in B when you are direct to an uncontrolled airport that lies under the B. In order to descend through the remainder you need to gain approval.
 
I think this is an overthink question.

You can argue the "technically speaking" all you want and I think you'll have more luck counting angels dancing on a pin. And I would not at all be surprised to hear a controller us the "magic words" – I've heard it in a departure clearance while sitting on the ground at a Class Bravo primary).

But think of what you need the new clearance means:

Pilot: We have our destination (small non-towered airport below the Class B) in sight. We'll cancel our IFR now.
ATC: Cancellation accepted at 1930Z. You're busted.

Of course, the question I always ask back in this scenario is why cancel just to replace positive ATC control with, well, positive ATC control?
 
We have this happen often in my airspace and if I haven't already cleared for the visual, the IFR cancellation ilicits a response of "IFR cancellation recieved, maintain VFR, descent at your discretion, radar services terminated, Change to advisory frequency approved." (Assuming no conficting traffic) Sounds like a lot but really nothing the pilot isn't expecting to hear.
 
I've often heard the controller acknowledge the cancellation, then follow with; "Maintain VFR, resume own navigation(etc) and cleared into class bravo"
 
boondr said:
We have this happen often in my airspace and if I haven't already cleared for the visual, the IFR cancellation ilicits a response of "IFR cancellation recieved, maintain VFR, descent at your discretion, radar services terminated, Change to advisory frequency approved." (Assuming no conficting traffic) Sounds like a lot but really nothing the pilot isn't expecting to hear.
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Man you go all out. I say "Radar service terminated, squawk VFR, frequency change approved" if no traffic conflicts.
 
After the controller cancels your IFR, he should clear you through the Bravo (since you are already in it anyways) just so there is no confusion.
 
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