Composite flight plans (VFR/IFR)
A composite flight plan or flight itinerary = part of route VFR, part IFR. Each rule applies only to the portion flown under it (TC AIM RAC 3.7).
Cannot be filed:
- Flight entering FAA-controlled airspace, including Canadian Domestic Airspace (CDA) delegated to the FAA. NAV CANADA and FAA systems can't process composite data correctly (TC AIM RAC 3.7).
- Flight between Canada and the U.S. (not accepted, TC AIM RAC 3.5.3).
At the rule-change point:
| Filed order | What happens |
|---|---|
| IFR, then VFR | ATC clears only as far as the point within controlled airspace where the IFR portion ends |
| VFR, then IFR | Contact ATC for clearance before the IFR portion starts. No direct contact: request through a FIC |
Trap: VFR-to-IFR switch not automatic at planned point. Stay VFR until ATC issues clearance and you acknowledge it.
References
- TC AIM RAC 3.7