Originally Posted by
Dave Fitzgerald
Uhh….hate to tell both of you, airports don't close because the tower is closed. It just becomes an uncontrolled airport.
At uncontrolled airports you need a void time to take off IFR. You will get one when someone that is on an approach lands and cancels. The next airplane will not get an approach clearance if someone has a void time. Much longer process... adding fuel for this contingency is a good call.
Not directed to you Dave:
Declaring an emergency for this situation should be done if you are gonna get that low, but you better be able to answer why you did not divert sooner.