Keith:Keith Smith wrote:Steve, thanks for the clarification. I appreciate that, but it was still not the correct suggestion from ATC. Departing IFR would've required an IFR clearance, which would've only increased the radio congestion. You shouldn't have been dissuaded from departing VFR, and to be clear, filing IFR then later deciding not to pick up the clearance and instead depart VFR is 100% acceptable.
I'm sorry to hear you weren't able to enjoy the event, it really was a blast working new airspace, having 2 ZAB center controllers, a dedicated approach and a tower over there.
I pulled "the tapes" and I would like to commend the clearance/ground/tower controllers that worked that first hour. It was insane and I can certainly understand the pressure and confusion. Like all flights on PE, I learned something: be confident with my role as PIC and I should have pushed for the VFR departure.
That said, I'm looking forward to the next event.