A couple of quick questions.

1. Let's say that I file an IFR flight plan, and I decide to take off VFR at a busy terminal area. My plan is to get my clearance in the air while navigating VFR. Is this possible?

I always get my clearance before I takeoff; at least I did while I was in flight school. Now, I rent aircraft every once in a while with my wife, and we like to go on trips to help me log some time. Renting is very expensive, and I would like to use my time wisely. I hate waiting at an airport under the class bravo shelf, waiting for my clearance.

Can I takeoff and fly visually, and at the same time, try to get an IFR clearance?

 

This is in the DFW area, if that helps any.

 

This should not be a problem. I would mention as you file that you intend to pick up your clearance airborne so they are expecting it. Remember, clearances have void times so keep that in mind as you plan your trip and when you intend to receive your clearance. This is actually a good use of time! If you can fly, copy a clearance and listen to your wife all at once you certainly have more talent than I do. Fly safe!

 

You're good to go, assuming you don't "punch in" in controlled airspace prior to the clearance. A "gotcha" that happened to me once: Took off under the scenerio you describe, only to find that the controller didn't have time to handle any VFR traffic...regardless/despite the fact I wanted to pick up my IFR clearance/flight plan. It became a flury of activity in the cockpit as we ripped out the VFR charts so as to stay out of airspace, etc. Also, the weather was only about 3000-4000 overcast (Pac. Northwest). This was a bad decision on our part and now I'll only do it if the weather is VMC up to the altitude I needed to go, or 17.5 if I'm going into the flight levels.

 

We do this quite often on part 91 trips. If you are leaving an uncontrolled field, and there is another IFR airplane that is coming in or leaving with a clearance before you, you'll be forced to wait on the ground until they've either cancelled or they've been radar identified. If you can get out VFR, you won't be required to wait on the ground (obviously). Don't punch into the class B above, but if you can call for a clearance about 3-400 feet after takeoff, you'll probably be fine. Should sound like this, "Dallas approach, N12345, just off of Visual Field IFR to Oklahoma City." They'll usually just come back with a squawk code by itself. Easy enough to copy. Once you've been given a code, you'll be radar identified and then given a clearance. The only problem would be if you couldn't get a word in on the frequency. If that is the case, you'll be responsible to stay out of the class B until you can.