Switching from VFR to IFR

[Daddy O]

So how does a pilot switch from VFR to IFR on the fly? You're on a trip and the weather rolls in under you and the only way to land safely is to shoot an ILS. How do you jump into the system without working out a new flightplan? I've read that it is common to get locked up by the fog in San Francisco area.

[Keith Smith]

request pop up ifr clearance from atc. Complete nonevent.

[Daddy O]

So we request popup IFR, do we need to have a flightplan to file or do they vector us to destination? I hate to be fiddling with a flightplan while in hardball IFR.

[Kevin_atc]

Here's an easy step-by-step process:

1. Realize the weather is getting bad
2. Panic [Optional depending on pilot expertise]
3. Decide to go IFR
4. Tune appropriate approach/center frequency
5. "[Approach/Center], [Callsign] VFR request."
6. Wait for the controller to reply and tell you to say your request.
7. "[Callsign], is a [aircraft type] slant [nav equip suffix], [Location], at [altitude] request IFR to [destination]"
7a. EXAMPLE: "Socal Approach, N123 is a Skyhawk, slant Golf, six miles east of Seal Beach VOR, five-thousand five hundred, request IFR to Brown Field."

Then just follow the instructions from the controller and poof! You're IFR.

[Keith Smith]

it's called pop-up ifr because you are requesting ifr without having filed a flightplan.