john smith wrote:
Dave Butler wrote:


If another airplane is flying an approach into the airport, you
cannot depart IFR. In those cases ATC may assign a VFR departure. You
see an avoid the other airplane until you reach your cruising altitude.


Oh, my
It's not up to me to decide whether I can depart IFR because "another
airplane is flying an approach into the airport". I either get a
clearance, or I don't.


You already have an IFR CLEARANCE, you just do not have an IFR RELEASE.
They are not the same thing.
Hence you can request a VFR DEPARTURE with an IFR CLEARANCE.
This is a spacing issue.
The controller is obigated to hold you on the ground or at a fix until
they have assurance that other IFR traffic in the vicinity (usually
around an uncontrolled airport) is clear or the requisite spacing is
attained.


OK, this will be my last missive on this subject. I don't think you're getting
it, and I guess you don't think I'm getting it. This is not leading anywhere.

When you request a VFR DEPARTURE (emphasis yours), you are not requesting an IFR
procedure. You're just departing VFR. When the controller grants your request,
he/she's not bestowing any priveleges on you that you didn't have already. You
can always choose to depart VFR. When you depart VFR you're not IFR.

Now, if you request a VFR CLIMB (emphasis mine) that's different. A VFR climb is
an IFR procedure.

Rebut if you like. I'm finished with this conversation.

Good day.