IFR Flight

[uwochris]

Hey guys,

The AIP (Canadian version of the FAR AIM) Chapter RAC 6.2 "IFR Flight In VMC" states that:

"Pilots operating IFR must be aware of the need to provide their own visual separation from VFR aircraft when operating in VMC and from any other aircraft when operating in uncontrolled airspace."

Does this mean that if I file IFR in VMC conditions, ATC will NOT provide separation from other aircraft or obstacle clearance? Or, will they still provide the obstacle clearance?

If that is the case, why file IFR when VMC conditions prevail? Isn't the point of filing IFR to get the obstacle clearance and separation from other aircraft?

Also, if you were flying IFR in IMC and had uncontrolled airspace ahead of you, would you recommend requesting vectors around it, or would you continue through it while maintaining a minimum IFR altitude?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Toy Soldier]

Quote by uwochris
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Does this mean that if I file IFR in VMC conditions, ATC will NOT provide separation from other aircraft or obstacle clearance? Or, will they still provide the obstacle clearance?

Yes and No. They will assist - work load premitting...

If that is the case, why file IFR when VMC conditions prevail? Isn't the point of filing IFR to get the obstacle clearance and separation from other aircraft?
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Do this to get additional help, not to relieve ourselves of "see and avoid" responsibilities. Theoretically, if you and other aircraft are IMC, then ATC will provide the separation (Everyone should be talking to ATC). However, if you are on an IFR plan and you are in VMC conditions, then that means that there will probably be others flying VMC that are not communicating with ATC, etc...


Following is the excerpt from the FAR/AIM 2003 version:

AIM Section 5. PILOT/CONTROLLER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

5-5-8. SEE AND AVOID

a. Pilot. When meteorological conditions permit, regardless of
type of flight plan or whether or not under control of a radar facility, the pilot is responsible to see and avoid other traffic, terrain, or obstacles.

b. Controller.

1. Provides radar traffic information to radar identified aircraft
operating outside positive control airspace on a workload permitting basis.

2. Issues safety alerts to aircraft under their control if aware the
aircraft is at an altitude believed to place the aircraft in unsafe
proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft.


SUMMARY
It has been my experience that ATC will provide the assistance when they can - work load permitting, as mentioned in paragraph b1 above. I believe that the "spirit" of the law is to have pilots maintain vigilance "outside" the cockpit whenever able. They don't intend for us to simply fly along without assisting them with noise abatement (the sound of two planes colliding).

Remember, there are plenty of folks "tooling" along without transponders, not speaking to ATC (unverified altitudes, etc). Therefore, it is also our responsibility to "spend most of our time outside the cockpit".

I do a lot of work in and around Class B airspace. It is nice to have ATC helping out, but they have been too busy to give me advisories on occassion. Hence, I end up performing "avoidance maneuvers" because of other aircraft that were "playing the airspace game" in which they fly under class b but over another class d airport, etc. A lot of folks out there don't like to talk to ATC for some reason....

As I mentioned earler, ATC will help. However, I personally would NOT allow them to be totally responsible for me - especially since they can be busy and all the while there are yahoos tooling around out there without a clue......

Just as a note, my co-pilot takes along a digital camera when we travel and he has pictures of somewhat close calls that he took while on IFR flight plans AND VFR flight following. ATC told me about most of the close calls, some they didn't...

 

[U-I pilot]

Also, if you were flying IFR in IMC and had uncontrolled airspace ahead of you, would you recommend requesting vectors around it, or would you continue through it while maintaining a minimum IFR altitude?

This wouldnt really happen if you are on a victor airway since they extend down to 1200 AGL and are controlled. Out west since there are specified bases of class E and OROCA values this might only be possible if the OROCA was lower than the base of class E and you were flying a direct route off airway. I would doubt this occurs due to the mountain peaks.