When are you required to file IFR?

JaceTheAce said:
Such as if you obtain an SVFR from sunset to sunrise, in which case you need to be instrument rated.
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Remember, instrument rated, and on an IFR flight plan are two different things.

ooops, that should have read, excluding SVFR clearances, stupid brain!

Side note
The airplane has to be instrument capable as well, but that isn't the point.
 
meritflyer said:
VMC gets WAY too confusing here JC - peope always think it has to do with twin engine ops. Therefore I say VFR.

PS I wish I knew that girl in your avatar. I'd PFT for her.. HAA!!
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If I found her, trust me, I'd let you have her. She's hot, but well...you know... not on my team. :D
 
CARL0S said:
I did not say VMC, I said VFR

what happens if you lose Radio communication in A in VMC,
you are suppose to continue VFR and land right?
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Lost comms are in 91.185 (which is under the heading "Instrument Flight Rules"), and it does say that if "VFR Conditions" are encountered to continue the flight under VFR and land as soon as practical. I would say though that the act of descending out of the flight levels to 17,5 or 16,5 would conducted under IFR according to that rule (91.185(b)), and you would not technically be operating under VFR until you cleared the flight levels and made the transition to VFR.

All semantics, and the interpretation doesnt really matter at all as at the point you are operating under emergency authority.
 
Dugie8 said:
Good point on the vis in class D, forgot about that! I guess a definition of IMC is in order, lets see....

IMC is anytime you are below the prescribed cloud and/or visual limits stipulated in the FARs, including SVFR clearances.
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The way I look at it is you fly IN visual meterological conditions (VMC) UNDER visual flight rules (VFR) (and the same logic applies for IMC and IFR).

VMC or IMC defines the weather conditions. VFR or IFR refers to the rules/regulations under which you are operating.

And here's another often overlooked exemption...91.155(b)(1). IMC in class G at night 1,200 ft or less above the surface exists when the visibility is less then 3SM. However, this reg allows you to operate in class G airspace at night, under Visual Flight Rules, with the visbility as low as 1SM. With the stipulation however, that you remain within 1/2 a mile from the runway (basically in the traffic pattern).

So what exactly does the above mean? It means that you can fly without an instrument rating, in a non instrument equipped aircraft in the traffic pattern of a Class G airport with the visibility as low as 1SM at night when the weather is legally IMC.

Clear as mud?

Kinda scary when you think about it.
 
t82 said:
above 18000 ft
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MidlifeFlyer said:
=The= exact correct answer or =his= exact correct answer?

"operating in controlled airspace in conditions less than those required under visual flight rules" is one

Of course, give me that answer and I could argue it's not EXACT.
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You are not allowed to fly in controlled airspace under IFR unless you have filed an IFR flight plan and have received ATC clearance. You are also not allowed to be in Class A airspace (FL180-FL600) unless you are under an IFR flight plan.

So says the "FAA bible". 14 CFR 91.135, 14 CFR 91.173

Neil
 
casey said:
Lost comms are in 91.185 (which is under the heading "Instrument Flight Rules"), and it does say that if "VFR Conditions" are encountered to continue the flight under VFR and land as soon as practical. I would say though that the act of descending out of the flight levels to 17,5 or 16,5 would conducted under IFR according to that rule (91.185(b)), and you would not technically be operating under VFR until you cleared the flight levels and made the transition to VFR.

All semantics, and the interpretation doesnt really matter at all as at the point you are operating under emergency authority.
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I don't see in the reg that you have to descent right away.
I think there may be a case where you might have to flight for miles in alpha before you descend to land. While you are up there however you will try to stay in "VFR" conditions (at least you will want to see whats ahead of you). wouldn't that be VFR?
 
JaceTheAce said:
My dad (CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP) keeps quizzing me on this question and wants EXACT correct answer - he won't tell me until I get it right! :D
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So did you get the "correct" answer yet?

I'm curious what answer he was looking for.


.
 
As has already been said, when operating under IFR in controlled airspace you need to file IFR and be on a clearance. Could there be exceptions, sure. But I believe that is the best answer. BTW, you do not necessarily need to be IFR above 18,000 feet. That airspace is not always Class A.
 
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