Pop-up IFR Clearance: 7 Tips On How To Properly Request One

As you're peacefully navigating on your flight path, you notice unexpected clouds forming below. Thankfully, you have an IFR rating and the necessary equipment for instrument flying. Unfortunately, you realize that you didn't file an IFR plan with flight service. But don't panic! The FAA has a solution for situations like this: a pop-up IFR clearance.

In this guide, we'll cover 7 of the important details you need to know about requesting this type of clearance.

What is a Pop-up IFR Clearance - Pilot Mall1. What is a Pop-up IFR Clearance?

A Pop-up IFR clearance is an instrument clearance provided to instrument-rated pilots who are already in the air and flying under visual flight rules (VFR conditions).

Pilots can request this form of IFR clearance when VFR weather conditions appear to be deteriorating, such as encountering unexpected clouds or challenging weather, or when the pilot needs assistance navigating around terrain and obstruction clearance to reach their destination airport.

The process involves the pilot contacting Flight Service while in the air and requesting a "pop-up IFR" clearance. Flight Service will then work with air traffic control (ATC) to help grant the clearance for the pilot.

When is a Pop-up Clearance Needed? - Pilot Mall2. When is a Pop-up Clearance Needed?

You might need a pop-up if these circumstances unexpectedly take place:

  • Undercast forms

  • The overcast lowers

  • Encountering changing weather patterns

Requirements to Request a Pop-up Clearance - Pilot Mall3. Requirements to Request a Pop-up Clearance

When you are flying a VFR aircraft and encounter deteriorating weather conditions like lowering clouds or poor conditions, you will need to be able to switch to IFR operations quickly. But, before you can call up FSS and ask for a pop-up, some requirements need to be met.

Pilot Requirements

First, as a pilot, you should be IFR-rated, current, and proficiently equipped to handle instrument approaches, fly at specified IFR altitudes, and understand the complexities of IFR flight operations.

You will be expected to maintain or climb to at least the Minimum Instrument Altitude (MIA), Minimum Vectoring Altitude, and Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA) as directed by ATC while also managing your own terrain and obstruction clearance.

Aircraft Requirements

Your aircraft will need to meet the standards outlined in the IFR Minimum Equipment List (MEL), this can be remembered through the acronyms TOMATO FLAMES, FLAPS, and GRABCARDD.

Requesting a Pop-up IFR Clearance - Pilot Mall4. How to Request a Pop-up Clearance

If a pilot needs to request a pop-up clearance, they would need to contact ATC or Flight Service. Pilots would have to place the initial call asking for a pop-up and provide basic info along with their intention to transition from a VFR flight into flying IFR due to unforeseen weather changes or obstacles.

5. Example of a Pop-up Clearance Request Communications

Requesting a pop in the air is similar to the CRAFT process of getting your clearance on the ground. Here is an example of some radio calls between an Air Traffic Controller and a pilot with a pop-up request.

You: [Call sign] with request
ATC: [Call Sign] Say Request
You: [Call sign][Aircraft type] [Altitude] [Location] Requesting a pop-up clearance into [Destination]
ATC: [Call Sign] IDENT
You: IDENT [Call Sign]
ATC: [Call Sign] Squawk [Code]
You: Squawk [Code] [Call Sign]
(Wait to find out if you have received a clearance or not)
ATC: [Call Sign] You are radar contact [miles from the airport]. You are cleared to the [Destination airport], via fly heading [Vectors] [Fixes], [descend/climb], and maintain [Altitude]
You: Cleared to the [Destination airport] via radar vectors [Vectors] [Fixes], [descend/climb] and maintain [Altitude] [Call Sign]
(After some time)
ATC: [Call Sign] Contact Approach on [Frequency]
You: [Frequency] [Call sign]
You: [Approach Contact Name] [Call sign] level at [Altitude] [Location ex. "Direct (fix point)"]
APPROACH: Contact when you have information [ATIS ex. "information hotel"]
You: Will call with information [Call sign]
(Gather ATIS Information)
You: [Call sign] has [ATIS]
APPROACH: [Call sign] say approach request
You: I'd like to request the [IFR Approach type ex. VOR, RNAV, ILS] [Runway]
APPROACH: [Call sign] turn [Heading] (they might use a different structure than this for explaining the directions, pay attention to their instruction. They might also ask how the approach will terminate)
You: Full Stop and I'll file (or say you'll taxi to the FBO if it's your final destination) [Call Sign]
(From this point forward Approach might hand you off to another frequency and provide altimeter settings)
APPROACH: [Call sign] you are [miles from airport] cross [Fix] at or above [Altitude], you are cleared for the [Type of approach] [runway] [left/right] approach straight in
You: Cross [Fix] at or above [Altitude], cleared for the [Approach] [Runway] [left/right] straight in [Call sign]
APPROACH: [Call sign] Contact tower on [Frequency], have a good day/night!

By this point, you are handed off to the next controller. IFR qualified pilots would need to already have their approach plate up, and maintain the minimum altitude for the approach as published unless given different directions from the controller.

6. Why It's Better to File and IFR Plan

It's better to land and wait for weather conditions to improve if you can land safely, and it's better to stop and file IFR from the ground if possible after landing. This is especially helpful when flying in busy airspace.

The Problem with Pop-up Clearances - Pilot Mall7. The Problem with Requesting a Pop-up IFR Clearance

Air traffic controllers can face a real problem when pilots flying VFR suddenly request an IFR clearance on the fly, without having filed a flight plan beforehand.

Controllers work hard to create an organized flow with how air traffic operates, but these impromptu IFR requests can throw a wrench into it. This causes the controller to have to scramble to rearrange air traffic to suit an aircraft that was under VFR needing instrument guidance—it's a big deal.

Plus, there's the potential limitation of a missed approach not being available for the desired IFR approach. If a pilot opts to air file through the FSS, it might take a while for confirmation, causing delays and more complications.

Pop-up IFR YouTube VideoThis is a great video of a pop-up situation that can happen. This pilot intended to stay flying VFR and perform a few stop-and-goes at Palo Alto (PAO), but it seemed like the weather had other plans for him. He makes the wise decision to request a pop-up and switch to an RNAV approach.

Instrument Procedures Handbook

ASA Instrument Procedures Handbook New Version

Airline pilots, CFIIs, and all other aviators who occasionally operate in the soup recognize the importance of accurate information, as well as the need for a well-thought-out plan of execution. Fortunately, the ASA Instrument Procedures Handbook is chock-full of time-tested IFR insight designed to help keep you safe whenever you aviate on the gauges.

View Product

Takeaway

The best solution to follow is that if you are already IFR-rated and in an aircraft capable of flying IFR to file an IFR flight plan before starting your trip. It's better to file IFR and not need to use it than to need it and experience delays receiving a pop-up IFR clearance.

Pop-ups are meant to be used when the weather changes unexpectedly, otherwise, the best option can be to divert to an alternate and maintain VFR. Air Traffic Controllers can get overwhelmed when there is a lot of IFR traffic in the designated airspace, and it could take more time than you intended to receive your instrument clearance through a Pop-up.

Taking as many precautions as possible before a flight ensures a safe path for yourself and your passengers. Expect the unexpected, but if the unexpected does happen, know there are solutions to help you reach the runway safely.

Fly safe!

Want to learn more about IFR?

Our guides are designed to help student pilots become professional pilots and for private pilots to brush up on their knowledge and skills.

Did you find this article helpful?

Do you think we missed anything important or made a mistake? Let us know in the comments below!

EducationIfr

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before being published

Featured products

ASA Instrument Procedures Handbook New Version FAA-H-8083-16B
ASA
ASA Instrument Procedures Handbook FAA-H-8083-16B
Sale price$23.99 USD Regular price$29.95 USD
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
1 Review
In stock
FAA Instrument Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-15B
Skyhorse Publishing
FAA Instrument Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-15B
Sale price$18.99 USD Regular price$19.99 USD
In stock
Gleim 2024 Instrument Pilot FAA Knowledge Test
Gleim
Gleim 2024 Instrument Pilot FAA Knowledge Test
Sale price$39.99 USD Regular price$44.95 USD
4.0
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars
2 Reviews
In stock

Latest Blog Posts

View all
Landing on the Edge: The 8 Most Dangerous Airports in the World

Landing on the Edge: The 8 Most Dangerous Airports in the World

International Flying

Some airports are famous for their breathtaking views, but others are famous for making your heart race—before you even touch down.

These airports challenge even the most experienced pilots, thanks to their short runways, rough weather, or crazy locations.

Get ready, because we’re about to explore eight of the world’s most dangerous airports to land at.

7 Best Airline Pilot Luggage Options For Durability And Style

7 Best Airline Pilot Luggage Options For Durability And Style

Flight Bags

When you think about airline pilots, you probably picture crisp uniforms, calm confidence, and their ever-present luggage rolling behind them.

But have you ever wondered what makes pilot luggage so special?

Let’s get into what pilot bags are designed for and why their features might work perfectly for you, too!

What To Look For In A Flight Suit: A Pilot’s Guide

What To Look For In A Flight Suit: A Pilot’s Guide

Fashion

Having the right gear is as important as knowing how to fly the airplane. A flight suit is an important piece of equipment that keeps you comfortable, and prepared for anything.

We'll explore what makes flight suits so special, where and how they’re used, and what to consider when picking one out for yourself.