'request cancel IFR....' Answers please.

[CRX]

Hello All,
I would appreciate any accurate input from knowledgeable ppruners regarding the CORRECT procedure to follow when 'cancelling IFR'.
I operate in the North of Scotland in mainly uncontrolled airspace, and frequently,for expedience and efficiency, it is sensible to cancel IFR when making an approach, either to improve arrival time or help release an outbound aircraft.
I have been asked by my boss to clarify whether on receipt of a crews intention to cancel IFR the flight will immediately be treated as VFR and therefore is released from any IFR clearance. In other words should I say I AM cancelling IFR or REQUEST to cancel IFR (all whilst airborne of course, I'm not talking about before start). And therefore when I do say it, can go on my merry way and descend at will. Or should I wait for the 'request' to be approved before changing level/track?
My concern is that my desire to assist ATC (and myself) could actually result in screwing up the master plan that ATC had, and possibly pose a safety hazard by descending through the level of another a/c.
I personally never use this 'trick' to queue jump a stream of IFR inbounds, and normally it is done to assist ATC where I can.
Would appreciate the input of airtraffickers, primarily about the hard legal facts, then personal preferences about how to play it.
Thanks all.

CRX.

Ps: I am aware of the consequences of cancelling IFR such as the need to maintain VFR in the event of a go-around ,general airmanship and lookout etc etc, so please just the 'rules',. Thanks.

[ToweringCu]

If you cancel IFR in Class G (you don't have to request), the controller will not be too bothered, it'll probably make life a bit easier for both of you. If you are on an advisory route (class F) it might be a bit more awkward; the controller may have issued releases and clearances to ensure separation against other participating IFR traffic.

[Inverted81]

I am a controller in the north of scotland, so u never know, might have spoken to you and appoved your REQUEST. I most commonly see it requested when an aircraft makes an approach to my airfield then when able, they break off to leave the zone CTR/CTA class D to land at small strip north of the zone.

The requests i usually hear, is when the crew wish to continue VFR. When they report they are breaking off the approach and "continuing VFR" i tell them that their IFR Flight Plan is cancelled at time blah blah. Continue VFR not above alt x etc.

So basically a heads up from the crew on initial contact, that they wish to descend through cloud IFR in the hope of going VFR on the other side is a good thing. In Class G, as said above, its not really an issue, in essence it'll make our jobs easier. At night no difference really as SVFR required in the zone etc, seperation needed etc.

just my experience... :zzz:

[Highland Director]

CRX....

Manual of Air Traffic Services CAP 493 Section 1 Chapter 2 Page 5 states....

7 Cancellation of IFR Flight

7.1 IFR flight plans shall only be cancelled when the pilot uses the expression 'cancel IFR flight plan'. Pilots must not be invited to cancel but if there is any doubt about a pilot’s intentions he may be asked if he wishes to cancel his IFR flight plan.

7.2 Controllers are to acknowledge a cancellation using the phrase 'IFR plan cancelled at .... (time) ....'

7.3 Pilots cancelling IFR plans shall be given any information which indicates that IMC may be encountered along the intended route.

MATS part1 conveniently (or inconveniently) does its usual trick of keeping things suitably vague by insisting that the correct phrase is 'cancel IFR flight plan'. To my mind, such an expression on its own is neither a request nor a statement of intention. Unfortunately that is all we have laid down in the Airtrafficker's Bible so it doesn't surprise me at all that you should raise this question.

If we are talking about the world of Class G airspace then these are my thoughts.

I regularly speak to a/c who cancel IFR for the reasons you have given and I along with most of my colleagues grin from ear to ear when we hear that phrase 'cancel IFR flight plan'. I hear it used mostly as a request rather than a statement. i.e. '<callsign> I'd like to cancel IFR flight plan and continue VFR'. Unless the weather at the Aerodrome was fiendish, I'd happily acknowledge the cancellation and immediately consider the flight as VFR.

Some pilots take a more bold approach. i.e. '<callsign> cancelling IFR flight plan, leaving FLXX VFR. Again, I'd respond with the standard acknowledgement and immediately treat the flight as VFR.

I prefer the 1st example as I think it is more courteous, however I appreciate that a pilot might wish to quickly declare himself VFR and descend to remain VMC.

When all is said and done, it is Class G airspace and you can do as you choose, but it is nice to know what you intend to do before you do it!
That's my tuppence worth anyway...:)

[bookworm]

Some pilots take a more bold approach. i.e. '<callsign> cancelling IFR flight plan, leaving FLXX VFR. Again, I'd respond with the standard acknowledgement and immediately treat the flight as VFR.


Clearances are not mandatory for flights outside controlled airspace (and outside ATZs).

'<callsign> procedural separation service declined, leaving FLXX IFR'

is even bolder, but in principle is perfectly legal.

It makes good sense to coordinate any impending plan with ATC, whether in VMC or IMC. Thus a "request", or at least an opportunity for ATC to say "I wouldn't do that if I were you because...", is preferable.

[ComJam]

I prefer "Good Victor Mike, cancelling IFR, going enroute, thanks, g'day!" :}

Never seem to be any complaints about reducing the number of a/c on freq :)

[360BakTrak]

Would 'bad' or 'reasonable victor mike' suffice?