Narrative:

At hot; I picked up my IFR clearance on the ground by radio from ATC. The clearance was 'as filed' and I was given a void time. Since radio contact was clear and established; I expected them to provide a release. When none was forthcoming; I queried the controller; who then told me that they do not provide a release when a void-time clearance is given; even though they have established clear and continuous radio communications. This is a bit confusing; since usually a void-time clearance is given only when there is not any good radio communication with you on the ground (and usually obtained by telephone). Another confusing issue was that after contacting departure after takeoff; I expected to be told to proceed on course; on my own navigation; but that was not forthcoming. Again; I queried the controller and was told that being cleared 'as filed' meant that I could proceed on course at will; implying that when to turn; and therefore my ultimate track to my destination would be up to me. I'm so accustomed to operating out of towered airports and receiving vectors that his statement that I should assume it was all up to me and my choice as to when to turn was not initially clear to me. Finally; when I proceeded on my own navigation on a track that would avoid a 24/7 (continuous) restricted area; the controller said that since I was on IFR; I could fly through it; and therefore I should have been flying an exact direct line to my destination. That made me uncomfortable because I am familiar with controllers making errors in respect to restricted areas; especially since this one was a 24/7 restricted area.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: C210 pilot experiences confusion receiving clearance and departing HOT. A void time is issued with clearance even though Center is clear on the VHF. The reporter is also told to turn on course at his discretion and that restricted airspace need not be avoided.

Narrative: At HOT; I picked up my IFR clearance on the ground by radio from ATC. The clearance was 'as filed' and I was given a void time. Since radio contact was clear and established; I expected them to provide a release. When none was forthcoming; I queried the Controller; who then told me that they do not provide a release when a void-time clearance is given; even though they have established clear and continuous radio communications. This is a bit confusing; since usually a void-time clearance is given only when there is not any good radio communication with you on the ground (and usually obtained by telephone). Another confusing issue was that after contacting Departure after takeoff; I expected to be told to proceed on course; on my own navigation; but that was not forthcoming. Again; I queried the Controller and was told that being cleared 'as filed' meant that I could proceed on course at will; implying that when to turn; and therefore my ultimate track to my destination would be up to me. I'm so accustomed to operating out of towered airports and receiving vectors that his statement that I should assume it was all up to me and my choice as to when to turn was not initially clear to me. Finally; when I proceeded on my own navigation on a track that would avoid a 24/7 (continuous) restricted area; the Controller said that since I was on IFR; I could fly through it; and therefore I should have been flying an exact direct line to my destination. That made me uncomfortable because I am familiar with controllers making errors in respect to restricted areas; especially since this one was a 24/7 restricted area.

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.