I filed IFR in the air with FSS for the first time

[N1120A]

I guess there's a first time for everything. I'd filed IFR, or thought I did, but the controller in the air couldn't find it in her system. Night flight and I prefer IFR, so I decided to do an in air filing for the first time ever. Called FSS and they pulled up my aircraft and personal information from my flight plan earlier that day. Was interesting, but pretty easy. Called the controller back up and got my clearance.

 

[flyingron]

Yep, I think it's only been twice that ATC sent me to FSS rather than just handling it.

 

[kgruber]

It is SUCH a drag when ATC won't do a "pop-up."

 

[John Collins]

Who did you initially file through? Common reasons for missed IFR flight plan, accidentally filing as VFR. Another is filing from a waypoint or VOR with the intention of departing VFR and pickup IFR enroute. Other common issues include filing for a different day.

 

[Brad Z]

I'm finding that if I'm low enough (and not in the DC FRZ), I can often use ForeFlight to file a flight plan in the air. That said, I've filed a few IFR flight plans airborne with flight service.

 

[N1120A]

I didn't mind the experience, but I do wish the FSS radios worked a little better.

It is SUCH a drag when ATC won't do a "pop-up."

Honestly, I don't blame her on this one. This was a long flight going through the airspace of 7 facilities.

Who did you initially file through? Common reasons for missed IFR flight plan, accidentally filing as VFR. Another is filing from a waypoint or VOR with the intention of departing VFR and pickup IFR enroute. Other common issues include filing for a different day.

I nearly never file VFR flight plans, so my app is set to IFR. I also file airport to airport and, Even when I pick up in the air. I think it may have just been not hitting a button.

 

[benyflyguy]

All told from when you initially called ATC to when you got your clearance, how long did it take??
Something to think about when you need the clearance more quickly. I was always wondering how long it would take to navigate it. Was going to try on a VFR day for fun just to go through the process. Typically I get a pop up but If with the ny centers that are busy I see getting kicked to FSS to get

 

[Clip4]

The specialists having access to your briefing is a really nice feature and works so well. I fear that FSS in flight will be discontinued in a few years.

 

[midwestpa24]

I had to do it once. Took off and picked up my clearance, but cancelled to land somewhere to check something out quick. Had a small stream of oil coming up the cowl. 99% certain it was a little bit of spillage, but want to verify before getting too far away from home. Took back off and had to refile to get clearance to my destination.

 

[flyingron]

Typicall 15-20 minutes from the time you finish with FSS until its available at ATC in my experience.

 

[Tantalum]

It has been forever since I've done this, is this the thing where you have to pull the knob and listen on a vor?

 

[kgruber]

It all started with the controller strike in 1981. Before that, you could get a pop-up anytime anywhere.

 

[N1120A]

All told from when you initially called ATC to when you got your clearance, how long did it take??
Something to think about when you need the clearance more quickly. I was always wondering how long it would take to navigate it. Was going to try on a VFR day for fun just to go through the process. Typically I get a pop up but If with the ny centers that are busy I see getting kicked to FSS to get

Actually, it took no time at all after the FSS wrapped up the filing. He did give me the wrong frequency though, so I just went back to the one I knew would likely work.

So, I'd say it took about 5-8 minutes, about a minute of which was spent trying to raise radio on a couple frequencies.

The specialists having access to your briefing is a really nice feature and works so well. I fear that FSS in flight will be discontinued in a few years.

My guess is they won't discontinue it, at least for some time, as there are enough times where ATC doesn't want to do pop ups and where aircraft don't have onboard weather.

Typicall 15-20 minutes from the time you finish with FSS until its available at ATC in my experience.

That took zero minutes. The FSS guy said, once we were wrapped up, that NCT had it and to call them.

It has been forever since I've done this, is this the thing where you have to pull the knob and listen on a vor?

You can do it that way, but this was on a 2 way frequency.