Newps wrote:


john smith wrote:


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.


You are still a little hazy on this. If you depart VFR you are not in
the system, period. You get absolutely no separation of any kind
whatsoever. You may as well have taken off VFR and requested your
clearance enroute.

You already have your clearance (Puddle Jumper 12345 is cleared as
filed, hold for release.)
You just have to get active in the system. That is where the previous
posting comes in. You will be told the who, when, where to contact to
get activated.
Think of it as an amended departure clearance to a point in space (Point
X). Once you reach Point X and contact the facility they will again
amend your clearance to your destination (from Point X). You do not have
to refile, they already have the flight plan on file, they are just
sequencing you into the flow with the required separation.
Yes, you are VFR on an IFR flight plan that has been filed and a
clearance issued, but ATC is not responsible for your separation from
other aircraft. If it VFR, it is a tool to expedite your departure.
Do you want to wait 15 minutes for that 152 that is practicing the VOR
Approach inbound on the hold with a headwind? Or, do you want to depart?