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VFR C210 with ZTL requested IFR descent through cloud layer; canceled IFR after VMC; but later confused flight status; IFR vs. VFR during continued descent.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 820701 |
| Time | |
| Date | 200901 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1201-1800 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | MIKEE |
| State Reference | GA |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | IMC |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | Cessna 210 Centurion / Turbo Centurion 210C 210D |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 91 |
| Flight Phase | Descent |
| Flight Plan | VFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Pilot Flying Single Pilot |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Private |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 56 Flight Crew Total 1872 Flight Crew Type 56 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy |
Narrative:
While on a VFR flight under VFR conditions at 11;500 ft MSL; squawking 1200 and approximately 20 NM from mikee intersection; I contacted ZTL on 120.55 and requested an IFR clearance to descend through the cloud layer beneath me. I was given an IFR clearance and a specific squawk code and began my descent. While in my descent; the controller further gave me the option to stay IFR with him and he would take me into pdk/atlanta. If I remained with him; I would have to stop my descent at 5;000 ft MSL; if not; I would have to descend to 3;500 ft MSL to resume my VFR flight. I asked the controller what was easiest for him; and he responded that there was no difference to him; just that I had to let him know what I wanted to do. I responded that I would just go in VFR. The controller took that to mean that I wanted to cancel my IFR clearance. I did not understand that my IFR clearance was being canceled and my answer was taken in the affirmative by ATC. I did not understand my IFR clearance was being canceled mainly because I was never told to change my squawk back to 1200; VFR. After being handed over to atl approach; I was asked to do something by the controller and I informed the controller that I was descending IMC. That controller informed me that I was not on an IFR clearance and to do him a favor and contact him once I landed via telephone. I complied with his request.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: VFR C210 with ZTL requested IFR descent through cloud layer; canceled IFR after VMC; but later confused flight status; IFR vs. VFR during continued descent.
Narrative: While on a VFR flight under VFR conditions at 11;500 FT MSL; squawking 1200 and approximately 20 NM from MIKEE Intersection; I contacted ZTL on 120.55 and requested an IFR clearance to descend through the cloud layer beneath me. I was given an IFR clearance and a specific squawk code and began my descent. While in my descent; the Controller further gave me the option to stay IFR with him and he would take me into PDK/Atlanta. If I remained with him; I would have to stop my descent at 5;000 FT MSL; if not; I would have to descend to 3;500 FT MSL to resume my VFR flight. I asked the Controller what was easiest for him; and he responded that there was no difference to him; just that I had to let him know what I wanted to do. I responded that I would just go in VFR. The Controller took that to mean that I wanted to cancel my IFR clearance. I did not understand that my IFR clearance was being canceled and my answer was taken in the affirmative by ATC. I did not understand my IFR clearance was being canceled mainly because I was never told to change my squawk back to 1200; VFR. After being handed over to ATL Approach; I was asked to do something by the Controller and I informed the Controller that I was descending IMC. That Controller informed me that I was not on an IFR clearance and to do him a favor and contact him once I landed via telephone. I complied with his request.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.