FlyWithX

IFR - IFR Clearance

CRAFT:

  • C: Clearance to fix or airport
  • R: Route
  • A: Altitude - Initial and Expect
  • F: Frequency (Departure Frequency)
  • T: Transponder/Squawk code

Short hand:

  • AF: As Filed
  • RV: Radar Vectors
  • H: Heading
  • RH: Runway Heading
  • R/L: Right Turn/Left Turn
  • D: Direct

Talk to clearance or ground:

Palo Alto Ground, Cessna 12345, request IFR, Tracy.

Clearance may be:

C: cleared to KTCY
R: via runway 31, ODP, SJC, V334, SUNOL, MOD, Direct
A: climb and maintain 3000, expect 5000 in 5 minutes
F: Norcal Departure 121.3
T: squawk 5432

Void

Only if starting from a non-towered airport would the IFR clearance include a "void if after"; if towered, tower will tell you when to take off.

IFR Clearance Examples

KSNS to KPAO

Cleared KPAO, via SNS3 departure, expect radar vector SJC, Direct. 6000 ft, 127.15, squawk XXXX

"expect" is important, we should not turn until ATC advises. Normally we will fly direct to DOCAL once flying on Salinas 3 departure on SNS R-255

KPAO to KPRB

filed: SJC SNS V25 PRB

cleared: via runway 31, ODP, SJC, SNS, AF; 3000, expect 7000 in 5 min; 121.3, squawk XXXX

KPRB to KSNS

filed: PRB LKHRN SNS

cleared: via PRB AANNE Direct; 8,000 ft; 128.7; squawk XXXX; void after 2330 zulu

note: AANNE is the IF/IAF of ILS RWY 31, SNS; no "expect" in altitude if it is not in busy air space; can get cleared on the ground with Oakland Center at 128.7

KPAO to KSAC

cleared: RWY 31, ODP, SJC, V334, SUNOL, MOD, Direct; 3000, expect 5000 in 5 min; 121.3, squawk XXXX

KPAO to KSTS

File: KPAO COLLI KSTS

Cleared: KPAO, via RWY 31 ODP SJC COLLI Direct; 3000, expect 5000 / 5 min; 121.3; squawk XXXX.