IFR Clearance Uncontrolled Airports

AIM ¶ 5-2-3 — IFR Clearance Uncontrolled Airports

AIM 5-2-3: How to get an IFR clearance departing an uncontrolled airport. Chart Supplement frequencies, phone numbers, and MEDEVAC procedures explained.

In Plain English

When you're departing IFR from an uncontrolled (non-towered) airport, there's no tower or ground controller to call for your clearance. AIM 5-2-3 tells you how to get one:

Check the Chart Supplement for the airport entry — it lists the frequency or telephone number to contact Clearance Delivery (often a nearby ARTCC, approach control, or FSS).
On initial contact, state that you're IFR and give your departure and destination airports.
The same Chart Supplement entry may include a phone number to cancel your IFR flight plan after landing — important because there's no tower to close it for you automatically.
MEDEVAC flights (outside Alaska) can obtain a clearance by calling 1-877-543-4733.

Why it matters: getting your clearance before takeoff is essential. If you depart with no radio contact, you're entering the IFR system without a release. Knowing the right frequency or phone number — and remembering to close your flight plan on landing — keeps you legal and prevents an unnecessary search and rescue alert.

Would you catch this on the written? Try 5 questions below — no signup

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 5-2-3

5-2-3. 5-2-3. IFR Clearances Off Uncontrolled Airports Pilots departing on an IFR flight plan should consult the Chart Supplement to determine the frequency or telephone number to use to contact clearance delivery. On initial contact, pilots should advise that the flight is IFR and state the departure and destination airports. Air traffic facilities providing clearance delivery services via telephone will have their telephone number published in the Chart Supplement of that airport's entry. This same section may also contain a telephone number to use for cancellation of an IFR flight plan after landing. Except in Alaska, pilots of MEDEVAC flights may obtain a clearance by calling 1-877-543-4733.

Read the AIM? Now prove it

Would you catch these on the written?

Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.

Live demo · no account needed

1/5

You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?

Keys A–D answer · Enter continues

PPL5 sample questions — in the app, the drill engine covers 88 PPL topics and every answer cites its source

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1How do you obtain an IFR clearance when departing an uncontrolled airport?

Per AIM 5-2-3, consult the Chart Supplement to find the frequency or telephone number for clearance delivery, then contact them stating that the flight is IFR along with the departure and destination airports.

Q2How do you cancel an IFR flight plan after landing at an uncontrolled airport?

Per AIM 5-2-3, the Chart Supplement entry for the airport may publish a telephone number specifically for cancelling an IFR flight plan after landing. Pilots should use that number since no tower is available to close the flight plan automatically.

Q3Is there a special method for MEDEVAC flights to obtain IFR clearances?

Yes. Per AIM 5-2-3, except in Alaska, pilots of MEDEVAC flights may obtain a clearance by calling 1-877-543-4733.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5

¶ 5-2-1

Pre-Taxi Clearance Procedures

¶ 5-2-2

Pre-Departure Clearance Procedures