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2 Answers

Long IFR XC Flight: 3 Separate plans?

Asked by: 834 views Instrument Rating

In reference to 61.65d

 

(ii) Instrument flight training on cross country flight procedures, including one cross country flight in an airplane with an authorized instructor, that is performed under instrument flight rules, when a flight plan has been filed with an air traffic control facility, and that involves—

(A) A flight of 250 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an air traffic control facility;

(B) An instrument approach at each airport; and

(C) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems.

 

I know there is not one right way to file for this flight, so what are your thoughts on the best way to do it for you?  Do you usually file 3 separate legs and get clearance every time you land? Or do you opt for filing just one plan that goes through multiple airports and request an approach and touch and go at each one from ATC as part of your route?

Good luck to all those working on their instrument ratings!

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2 Answers



  1. John D Collins on Jul 08, 2023

    I would file a separate IFR flight plan for each leg of the flight.

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  2. Best Answer


    Mark Kolber on Jul 09, 2023

    I’m ok with a multiple airport plan if you are going to fly an approach, go missed, and head to the next airport. But definitely a separate flight plan for each departure from the ground.

    To me, it’s not just a matter of things like ATC convenience or the system cancelling you out (which happen). The real reason is that this is a training flight, and training includes copying clearances and understanding departures. The IFR cross country is, for many, if not most, the one and only time during IFR training we have the opportunity to leave the local area and pick up clearances at unfamiliar airports (and don’t forget to check those departure requirements). That’s especially true if you are, say, training at a towered airport and select a nontowered airport as one of the landing destinations. No better way to learn how to pick up and work a void time release. It works the other way too. Train at a non-towered and land at an towered airport where you are likely to get a SID or more comp,ex departure instructions.

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