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Cancellation of IFR

Flight Rule Changes and Procedures

IFR to VFR Transition

When an aircraft operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) enters Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), it shall not cancel its IFR flight unless it is expected that VMC will be maintained for a reasonable period.

An aircraft electing to transition from IFR to Visual Flight Rules (VFR) must:

  • Notify ATC that the IFR flight is cancelled.
  • Communicate the necessary changes to the flight plan.

A pilot may cancel IFR, provided:

  • The aircraft is in VMC.
  • The aircraft is outside Class A or B airspace.
  • It is expected that the flight will not return to IMC.

If IFR is cancelled, ATC ceases IFR control services, but if the aircraft is in Class C airspace, conflict resolution continues. If the IFR flight plan is closed, Alerting Services are also cancelled.

Y and Z Flight Rules

Y Flight Rules (IFR to VFR)

A flight that begins under IFR and transitions to VFR.

Z Flight Rules (VFR to IFR)

A flight that begins under VFR and transitions to IFR.

Flight Rule Codes
  • I – Entire flight under IFR.
  • V – Entire flight under VFR.
  • Y – IFR transitioning to VFR.
  • Z – VFR transitioning to IFR.

The transition point must be specified in the flight plan. If there are multiple transitions, the first rule is used (e.g., VFR/IFR/VFR = "Z").

Yankee Flight Rule (Y)

When Y flight rules are used:

  • The IFR route is filed up to the last IFR waypoint.
  • The VFR route follows, with "VFR" added in the plan.
  • "DCT" may be used if the VFR plan is not mandatory.

Example Route:

FOBAC R722 MABAP VFR DCT

This means:

  • The flight departs IFR and remains IFR until MABAP.
  • After MABAP, the flight transitions to VFR.
Phraseology:

✈️ "Request cancelling my IFR flight." 📡 "After MABAP, report VMC to cancel IFR." ✈️ "At MABAP, under VMC conditions." 📡 "IFR CANCELLED AT 10:00 UTC, continue under visual flight rules."

Zulu Flight Rule (Z)

When Z flight rules are used:

  • The VFR route is filed up to the first IFR waypoint.
  • "IFR" is added at the first IFR point with altitude and true airspeed.
  • The detailed IFR route continues to the destination.

Example Route:

TUC DCT MON/N0280F130 IFR A411 BISKO

This means:

  • The flight departs VFR and remains VFR until MON.
  • At MON, the flight transitions to IFR at FL130 with 280 knots TAS.
Phraseology:

🛩️ "At TUC, request IFR at MON." 📡 "Report MON, climb FL140." 🛩️ "At MON." 📡 "IFR activated at 10:00 UTC, route BISKO."

Flight Rule Changes in Flight

A pilot can request a flight rule change in-flight. This must be coordinated with ATC, who will:

  • Prescribe conditions for the change.
  • Determine limitations for the new flight plan submission.
Changing from IFR to VFR

A pilot changing from IFR to VFR must:

  • Notify ATC that IFR is cancelled.
  • Communicate changes to the current flight plan.

ATC will acknowledge the cancellation: 📡 "IFR FLIGHT CANCELLED AT 10:00 UTC."

If IMC is expected, ATC may advise: 📡 "Instrument Meteorological Conditions reported/forecast in the vicinity of ___."

ATC will inform the next controller about the IFR cancellation (on VATSIM, only the next controller is informed).

Changing from VFR to IFR

A pilot switching from VFR to IFR must:

  • Communicate the necessary flight plan changes.
  • Submit the updated flight plan to ATC.
  • Obtain an IFR clearance before proceeding in controlled airspace.

This change is typically made when VFR minima cannot be maintained due to worsening weather.

VFR Departure of an IFR Flight

A flight plan may be IFR, but if departing from an uncontrolled or non-IFR airfield, the departure may be VFR under VMC conditions.

To transition to IFR:

  • The pilot contacts the en-route controller once airborne.
  • The controller issues IFR clearance once the aircraft is above Minimum Radar Vectoring Altitude (MRVA).
Best Practices:
  • Climb to a safe altitude (e.g., minimum sector altitude).
  • Contact en-route ATC before takeoff to negotiate the first contact point and altitude.

IFR Outside Controlled Airspace

An IFR flight operating outside controlled airspace shall:

  • Maintain an air-ground voice communication watch on the appropriate frequency.
  • Establish two-way communication with the air traffic services unit providing flight information service as necessary.
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