PilotEdge Forums

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.

request pop up ifr clearance from atc. Complete nonevent.

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.

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.

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