Zulu flightplan in class G airspace
 

If I want to depart from an uncontrolled airport VFR and fly 5 min to another airport for som IFR - app training and then fly back and land VFR. Do you need to have radio contact with an ATC when you are doing the changes in flight rules? The whole flight, including the IFR-app is conducted i class G airspace.

Why would ATC be interested? Would you think it necessary to call an ATC unit if you were to fly through a cloud during what was generally a VFR flight in class G?

In the UK, an 'IFR airport' tends to indicate the airport has ATC including approach control and thus radio contact and clearance to enter their ATZ will be required.
No 'need' to file a flight plan (although you can do if you wish) but it's best to ask the IFR airport if you can do some IFR work before you depart your uncontrolled airfied.

The concept of a "controlled aerodrome in non-controlled airspace" is, as far as I know, a UK-only phenomenon. In decent FIR's, airspace G (as mentioned in the opening post) means radio contact can never be mandatory, perhaps not even carrying the equipment thereto. But the opening post does not state in what FIR the flight operates.

That said, it never hurts to announce one's activities and intentions on the appropriate frequency.

You cannot fly VFR in cloud so yes. If it’s ‘generally a VFR flight’ avoid the cloud and stay legal.

I don't know the peculiarities of Swedish airspace, but taking two countries whose airspace peculiarities I am familiar with.

- In the USA, you would likely be in class E, and to fly through / close to cloud makes you IFR, which requires a specific ATC clearance.

- In the UK, you would likely be in class G, just fly semicircular rule, log those few minutes as IFR, and nobody cares.

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The OP said he wanted to do some APP training which I would take to mean an IAP.

I would say that during an IFR approach, even a practice one in class G airspace, you would be heads down and therefore unable to keep your eyes outside as needed in uncontrolled airspace. So at the least you would need a second pair of eyes for the necessary lookout, and ideally a controller to keep an eye on the radar screen for you as well (if possible at the location you intend to use). I know that G does not provide that service, but it would certainly help if at all possible. For me, that would be a reason to contact a controller. I'm not familiar with Swedish airspace so perhaps I'm way off the mark here.

Are you no longer required to carry a 'safety pilot' when carrying out an approach in VMC?

Not necessarily en-route to the start of the procedure however.



Only if using something to occult external vision.

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