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2 Answers

Terminating IFR

Asked by: 5674 views , , ,
FAA Regulations, Instrument Rating

terminating IFR in visual conditions at non towered airport.  I was on an ifr flight plan the other day in visual conditions.  About 15 miles out I asked the controller to go visual and terminate ifr.  He can back with a question about whether I would like further advisories.  i said yes.  I then proceeded to squawk Vfr.  He came back a minute later and asked if I changed transponder.  I said yes and he mentioned that I should have not.  I am confused to what happened.  My intention was to close ifr flight plan and continue Vfr .  What happened?

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2 Answers



  1. John D. Collins on Mar 11, 2013

    Since you indicated you wanted traffic advisories, he expected you to remain on your current transponder code. You were already identified on his scope. When you went to 1200, you were anonymous. Usually if you cancel IFR and proceed without advisories, ATC will tell you to squawk 1200, frequency change approved. If you cancel IFR but request traffic advisories or other services, the controller will normally say something like: “IFR cancellation received, remain current transponder code for advisories.”

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  2. Wes Beard on Mar 11, 2013

    Only change your transponder code when requested to by ATC. I had a friend fly to a uncontrolled airport and cancelled IFR past the IAF. No need for advisories so he thought to squawk 1200. He got a call from the ATC personnel in his phone asking not to do that. Only change if requested was what the ATC person said.

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