Thanks for that ABC.
Posted the same question on the ATC forum and got this response:
For the UK...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woof etc
First of all - is it possible to complete the entire flight in accordance with IFR (VMC conditions).
Yes. All "unmanned" fields are outside controlled airspace. There is no obligation for an ATC clearance when flying IFR outside controlled airspace. At night, IFR are the only flight rules permitted to such "unmanned fields".
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woof etc
If I file an IFR flight plan to an unmanned field with no facilities (in VMC), can I use another unmanned field with no facilities as an alternate? If so what minima apply? My take on this is that the conditions would have to be VMC for the field to be used as an alternate.
For a public transport flight, the planning criteria depend on your ops manual. I don't know what the JAR-OPS view is of airports without published IAPs as alternates. For private flights, the requirement is only that
The commander ... satisfy himself ... that the flight can safely be made, taking into account the latest information available as to the route and aerodrome to be used, the weather reports and forecasts available and any alternative course of action which can be adopted in case the flight cannot be completed as planned;
Any other takes on this? This must be a pretty common situation for the contract guys - what do you do?