Ask a controller... (in memory of Tony Kelly - tkatc)

[airguy]

Originally Posted by tkatc

Airfields are usually TERPS out for IFR operations. Specifically they are concerned with obstruction clearance. You are flying out of an unknown field?

Anyway, the best way to get a clearance is ON THE GROUND. That way you have everything you need and the controller confirms all this while things are stationary. He doesn't have to separate you from anything at that point.

Now, you could get the IFR release off the ground and the controller will just "block" that airspace until you are identified and on your way. They will probably clear you to ABC "VIA" DEF...that word VIA puts the responsibility on the pilot to maintain his/her own obstruction clearance.

The other way, and this may be preferred by many controllers, after you get your clearance on the ground, you depart VFR and then request to pick up your IFR when airborne. That way, the controller doesn't have to block any airspace, you will be VFR and he will identify you, from there he will assess your proximity to other airspace/traffic and grant your request for IFR.

The worst way, IMO, is to file, depart VFR and expect the controller to drop everything to issue you a clearance AND separate you at the same time. It could eat up some valuable frequency time as well as creating unnecessary workload for both you and the controller. I sometimes ask this pilot why he didn't pick up his clearance on the ground....I don't really care what the answer is but it is my friendly reminder that he should have. If I'm particularly annoyed....I might read the clearance especially fast so he really has to concentrate. I think they get the point but perhaps not.

I realize there are times when it is impossible to get the clearance on the ground, and I hope this doesn't sound like I am not willing to provide exceptional service, but everyone has thier own pet peeves.

This is exactly what I was looking for - I had an inkling that departing VFR and requesting clearance on a pop-up was about the worst way to do it, since they would not know to expect me. In my case, I would need a good telephone number for a center controller (I'm outside Midland/Big Spring/San Angelo app/dep coverage) for phone clearance. Being situated almost directly under V68 might put a wrinkle in it occasionally with other fast-moving traffic.

[tkatc]

The good old fashioned "Green book", or AF/D as some call it, has all this info. I use skychartspro and all this info is available on my iPhone or iPad. Both my GPSs carry this info as well. At least they list frequencies.... When all else fails there is always 1-800-WX-BRIEF that will get you the nearest flight service station.

[Mile High Relic]

Yep, the frequencies are easy enough to find, but the local t/n's for clearance delivery seem to be a well hidden item.

Flight Service or a local airport bum are the only places I've found that can provide them.

[pierre smith]

I'm also in the boonies of Timbuktoo and have Augusta (Georgia) Approach's phone number in my cell phone, which THEY had earlier suggested to me. After filing earlier on Fltplan.com, a quick call at the runup area activates the flight plan.

Best,

[bruceg]

A good number to have in the cell phone for departures from airports without ATC communications is the Lockheed Martin Clearance Delivery Line - 888-766-8267. I call them after engine start and usually have the clearance by the time I'm ready for departure.

[airguy]

Originally Posted by bruceg

A good number to have in the cell phone for departures from airports without ATC communications is the Lockheed Martin Clearance Delivery Line - 888-766-8267. I call them after engine start and usually have the clearance by the time I'm ready for departure.

Is that a legit, live, ATC-coordinated contact? I would certainly hate to launch into a violation because the left hand wasn't talking to the right...

[bruceg]

Yes it is. After they ask for your departure and destination airports and the departure runway, they put you on hold for 2 or 3 minutes and coordinate with the ATC facility whose airspace you will be entering. I've been disconnected a couple of times during the hold period but they called right back with the clearance. ATC is always happy so I'm happy

[BobTurner]

Yes it is a legally valid number. Lockheed Martin are the folks who run the now-privatized FSS.
When they first took over calls to FSS asking to pick up a clearance were sometimes met with complete bewilderment. This number takes you to people who understand what you are asking for.

[fehdxl]

Originally Posted by Mile High Relic

Yep, the frequencies are easy enough to find, but the local t/n's for clearance delivery seem to be a well hidden item.

Flight Service or a local airport bum are the only places I've found that can provide them.

Whenever I receive the local approach/center telephone number (usually on an inbound leg to cancel) I make a ForeFlight comment. Just another way to help each other.

[morganjp]

In checking flights on flight aware I often see a VOR fix listed in the route. Is this a vector given by ATC in flight or a waypoint previously entered in an IFR flight plan?

Ie ATL278031

John Morgan