Are IFR flight plans required?

If the weather is below VFR minimums and you plan to penetrate controlled airspace, an IFR flight plan and an ATC clearance based on that flight plan are mandatory.



Yes, Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plans are absolutely required for any flight operating in "Instrument Meteorological Conditions" (IMC) or within specific classes of controlled airspace (such as Class A airspace in the U.S., which starts at 18,000 feet). Even in clear weather, commercial airliners and many private jets file IFR flight plans to ensure they receive positive air traffic control (ATC) separation and guidance throughout their journey. Filing an IFR flight plan involves submitting specific details—including the aircraft's ID, type, planned route, altitude, and estimated time en route—to an FAA or international ATC facility. Once filed, the pilot must receive an official "IFR Clearance" before entering controlled airspace. This system is the backbone of modern aviation safety, as it allows controllers to track and sequence aircraft precisely, preventing mid-air collisions. For general aviation pilots, IFR flight is only permitted if the pilot is IFR-rated and the aircraft is properly equipped with certified navigation instruments.

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You need to name an alternate airport on your IFR flight plan if, for the period of time one hour before and one hour after your estimated time of arrival, the weather is forecast to include a ceiling of 2,000 feet agl and/or visibilities less than three statute miles (the 1-2-3 rule).

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Flight Plans MUST be submitted by a pilot registered with SMU and the drone must have been registered with SMU and the FAA prior to submission. This flight plan will be approved during business hours within 1 week. Flight plans should be submitted at least 7 days before a flight is scheduled.

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Remote ID also helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies locate the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly.

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  • instrument approaches.
  • H. Holding procedures.
  • I. Intercepting courses.
  • T. Tracking courses.
  • S. use of navigational electronic System.
  • If not current within 6 months. you can log required time with a safety pilot, examiner, or instructor.
  • If not current within 12 months. ...
  • To carry passengers as PIC (day)


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In aviation medicine, the 1% rule is a risk threshold that is applied to the medical fitness of pilots. The 1% rule states that a 1% per annum risk (See also risk management) of medical incapacitation is the threshold between acceptable and unacceptable.

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You haven't flown through IMC without a clearance, have you? Technically, you can fly in IMC without a clearance in Class G airspace, because it's not controlled. Controlled airspace simply means you need a clearance to fly in the clouds. Class G airspace is uncontrolled, so it's not illegal to fly in the clouds.

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IFR flying is astronomically more challenging than is VFR flying, but those pilots who achieve this distinction are invariably better and safer pilots, both when flying IFR and when flying VFR. Aviating under IFR, a pilot is authorized to fly into clouds in what is called zero visibility.

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VFR flight plans must be filed whenever an aircraft plans a cross-country flight and plans to operate under VFR flight rules. However, VFR flight plans are not required, only strongly recommended by the FAA, when an aircraft flies through class B airspace.

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In the US you need to file a flight plan for the following flights: IFR flights. Defense VFR Flights, which are required to fly in the ADIZ that is off the coast of the US (an IFR flight plan may also be used). Some TFR's only allow air traffic to fly within their boundaries if they are on an IFR or VFR flight plan.

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Standard takeoff minima are one statute mile for aircraft having two engines or less and one-half statute mile for aircraft having more than two engines. Specified ceiling and visibility minima will allow visual avoidance of obstacles during the initial climb at the standard climb gradient.

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There is no existing mechanism for the FAA to monitor if there are drone pilots, licensed or otherwise, who will fly above this altitude limit. That is well and fine until you get into a close encounter with a manned aircraft, for which you could be facing heavy penalties if the FAA can identify you as the drone pilot.

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RF Detection tech, like the DJI Aeroscope, is cool cuz it uses radio waves to spot drones in your airspace. It's kinda like playing hide and seek with the signals drones send out. Once you catch the signal, you can trace it back to the pesky pilot! ??

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