Can you pick up an IFR flight plan in the air?
Can you pick up an IFR flight plan in the air? Another option if the field isn't IFR and you can maintain your own terrain/obstruction clearance is to depart VFR and pick up an IFR clearance in the air with the proper approach/center (AIM 4-4-9).
Can you fly IFR without an IFR flight plan?
No IFR flight plan needs to be filed with the flight service station or DUATS. You can simply call clearance delivery or, if clearance delivery is not available, ground control, and request a “tower en route” or “tower-to-tower” to your destination airport.
Why do airlines fly IFR instead of VFR?
The benefits of operating under IFR are numerous. Often the equipment on board allows for very precise flight along a route that is more direct than the twists and turns that might be required to dodge airspace and some weather under VFR.
Can you depart IFR from an airport without an approach?
There's no takeoff clearance needed without a tower, but until you get the OK, the release, from approach, you can't depart IFR. So you'll then readback that clearance and they'll say “Cessna 9334H readback correct advise ready for departure.” And they may ask you which runway you're going to depart from.
Is IFR safer than VFR?
IFR flying provides certain protections which are not readily available to those flying under VFR. Even if you never fly into a cloud, having an IFR-equipped airplane and pilot will make for a safer and confident journey. Flying through and above the clouds provides for safer travels.
Is IFR easier than VFR?
IFR flying is astronomically more challenging than is VFR flying, but those pilots who achieve this distinction are invariably better and safer pilots, both when flying IFR and when flying VFR. Aviating under IFR, a pilot is authorized to fly into clouds in what is called zero visibility.