Also (not going to look it up exactly) but isn’t the end of VFR well before 7pm. So to continue beyond the end of VFR, flight must be under IFR rules and therefore under ATC control. So where is the logic in waiting till 7pm to alert SAR
VFR will end when the pilot is either not flying according to VFR or night (Sunset plus 30mins).
Just because you are flying IFR, it doesn't mean you have to be under ATC control. That has nothing to do with it.
As for closing a flight plan when airborne.. Thats surely a contradiction in terms? How can you close a flight plan if you haven't arrived safely?
Your flight plan is closed the moment you arrive safely at your destination.
What happens if you close your flight plan when airborne but then subsequently have an incident? Even if flying into a private field. Surely somebody should be aware you are inbound incase of a problem?
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