Can ATC cancel IFR?

[TheOneMarine]

We get this with Joshua Approach out in Socal around Palmdale. As soon as we complete our first approach we get a VFR squawk code and VFR altitudes, though we've NEVER been told that we had our IFR flight plan taken out of the system. Then when we're done shooting our approaches, we need to pick up a new clearance back to our home airport.

I didn't realize what was going on for months until one day when they were giving me a hard time about trying to get home. I had always thought that I had simply reached my clearance limit and I needed to get further clearance, but it turns out I wasn't on an IFR flight plan anymore! I need to talk with somebody about that one because it kind of screws up some 135 rules when they do that without telling us that we're canceled.

(I found out just the other day that they were actually canceling us when I asked him if we were still on an IFR flight plan, and the guy seemed to think that completing our first approach was cause for removing the flight plan without telling us. Now maybe after the first approach they SHOULD remove the flight plan, but they've also gotta tell us that they're doing so).

FSS's in Florida do this at times, not sure why. Some will let you file multiple touch-and-go legs in one, others make you file seperate plans. I'd like to understand it better myself. So far I think it just depends on who answers the line at the FSS

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by TheOneMarine

FSS's in Florida do this at times, not sure why. Some will let you file multiple touch-and-go legs in one, others make you file seperate plans. I'd like to understand it better myself. So far I think it just depends on who answers the line at the FSS

That's why I NEVER file with FSS if I can help it. They're bitter, mean, and have their own agenda. I hate to say it, but I'm glad that I can replace EVERYTHING that they do with my PC or my PDA.

[Airdale]

Stupid question here, but its similar to the topic - Can you fly in uncontrolled airspace on an IFR flight plan? I think the answer is yes, if you're talking to ATC.

[Nick]

Originally Posted by WAFlyBoy

Well Flyguy, I think we both know that NorCal tends to treat any N-number ending with "Alpha Mike" a little differently. It doesn't surprise me that the night crew wanted to dump you ASAP, nor does it surprise me that the day crew offered services for an approach.

Ohhh the memories! I got a laugh out of that one, WAFlyBoy.

Normally I would agree with TonyC and SteveC and others who allege that ATC did not cancel IFR, but rather they just cancelled radar service. That makes sense.

However, given the geography of this event (the flat California central valley) I doubt radar coverage was an issue, though it can be spotty between Madera and Chowchilla and there is actually a gap in there between KFAT and NorCal TRACON.

I agree with DE727UPS -- NorCal thought the flight was on VFR flight following and dumped you off into the night sky.

[exleardriver]

Originally Posted by Airdale

Stupid question here, but its similar to the topic - Can you fly in uncontrolled airspace on an IFR flight plan? I think the answer is yes, if you're talking to ATC.

yes. reference far 91.179(b)...ifr cruising altitudes or flight levels in uncontrolled airspace..