IFR release time

[cptndavis]

Folks:
What is the difference between an IFR release time and and a Wheels Up time?? Are the two terms synonymous?? If you are given an IFR release might you have to wait at the end of the runway until your "Wheels Up" time arrives? I was on an airline flight the other day and I heard both these terms used in relation to our delay. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to ask the pilots at the conclusion of the flight.

Any feedback would be appreciated..

Thanks!

[MidlifeFlyer]

What exactly did you hear and in what context? The exact words matter. "IFR Release" usually refers to when the IFR clearance will be available and is a phrase that deals with the system. "Wheels up" generally just means when you actually take off.

[cptndavis]

The captain stated "Our release time will be 4:48 PM and our wheels up time will also be 4:48 PM." At around 4:25 we taxied out, sat at the end of the runway till roughly 4:48, than we took off. Why did he not just say "We will take of at 4:48 PM." ??

[RABIRZA69]

Your flight was most likely given an EDCT time (expect departure clearance time) which is used for flow control in and out of airports. EDCT times are wheels up times, not really sure what IFR clearance time is. maybe its the pilots way of saying what an EDCT time is to folks who dont know.

[cptndavis]

Originally Posted by RABIRZA69

Your flight was most likely given an EDCT time (expect departure clearance time) which is used for flow control in and out of airports. EDCT times are wheels up times, not really sure what IFR clearance time is. maybe its the pilots way of saying what an EDCT time is to folks who dont know.

Yes, that make sense. The pilot mentioned the reason for the delay was traffic volume at EWR. So is it normal practice than for a flight to depart the gate a few minutes before the EDCT and then sit at the end of the runway until that time arrives? That way he's ready to launch the minute he's able??

[Maurus]

I have sat at the runway waiting to get released for twenty minutes before. It is no fun, especially when it is a lesson.

[Stomp16]

Originally Posted by Maurus

I have sat at the runway waiting to get released for twenty minutes before. It is no fun, especially when it is a lesson.

I hear you. It's even more fun when you're in a twin trainer and you call up tower ready to copy IFR, and they can't find your flight plan when it's 800 overcast.

[Maurus]

Originally Posted by Stomp16

I hear you. It's even more fun when you're in a twin trainer and you call up tower ready to copy IFR, and they can't find your flight plan when it's 800 overcast.

Can't wait till that happens to me.

Been a while since I have filed a flight plan. All my training has been local flights recently. I haven't had a chance to have my flight plan lost by Lockheed yet

[Codyjp]

it is important that the wheels up time occures just slightly after the release time or you will hear and feel a loud clunking sound.

As for lockheed, they only forget to activate my VFR flight plans. woops, glad I didn't crash.

[Sidious]

Originally Posted by Stomp16

I hear you. It's even more fun when you're in a twin trainer and you call up tower ready to copy IFR, and they can't find your flight plan when it's 800 overcast.

I ALWAYS file with DUATS for that reason exactly! Havn't had a flight plan lost since...