What is true about filing IFR vs VFR flight plans?

• A. VFR plans are optional for VFR flight and do not require ATC clearance.
• B. IFR plans are mandatory for IFR flight and require ATC clearance.
• C. IFR plans are optional for IFR flight and do not require ATC clearance.
• D. VFR plans are mandatory for VFR flight and require ATC clearance.

Answer: (B)

Filing an IFR flight plan is required for operating under instrument flight rules because it gives ATC your intended route, altitude, speed, and estimated times, allowing them to provide safe separation under instrument conditions. You must also receive ATC clearance before departing on an IFR flight; you can’t start IFR without that clearance.

VFR operations are generally more flexible—a flight plan is optional and ATC clearance is not normally required for VFR. Filing a VFR flight plan can be useful for services like flight following or in the event of an accident, and there are exceptions where you must have ATC clearance to operate in certain airspace (such as busy Class B, C, or D airspace) or to receive certain services. The essential distinction is that IFR is dependent on a filed plan and ATC clearance, whereas VFR is usually conducted without them.