Do you absolutely have to file a flight plane to fly IFR?

I know you can't fly through clouds unless you're flying IFR, but do you have to file an IFR flight plane to just fly through clouds, or do you just have to have your instrument rating to fly through the clouds, with no flight plan filed.Do you absolutely have to file a flight plane to fly IFR?Well in the US to fly though clouds you have to be on an IFR flight plan, be IFR rated and current, and have a current IFR certified aircraft.Do you absolutely have to file a flight plane to fly IFR?
well said tracy, as im a pilot for british airways i know the answer. tracys answer is exact and couldn't be better.



thanks





Chris Evans British Airways Pilot 4 Stripes Do you absolutely have to file a flight plane to fly IFR?|Do you absolutely have to file a flight plane to fly IFR?If you are flying VFR, you need to stay clear of clouds, even if you are instrument rated and are flying an instrument capable plane. To fly in clouds you need to be IFR and file a flight plan as such. You CAN do this enroute, say if you take off in VFR ad the weather turns to crap, but until you get the flight plan filed you need to stay clear of the clouds.Do you absolutely have to file a flight plane to fly IFR?
You needent stay clear of clouds for VFR flight in all situations. Class Golf airspace in a helicopter below 1200 AGL and below 10000 MSL for instance. Since that's where most helicopter fly... bring on the clouds!Do you absolutely have to file a flight plane to fly IFR?
Tracy has given you a correct and thorough answer!Do you absolutely have to file a flight plane to fly IFR?
While the first answer is correct for a planned IFR flight... the controller can create one for you if your flight that was planned VFR suddenly goes sour and you are left in IFR conditions... you can request a flight plan from the local controler and depending on how busy they are and if they have the patience, they will file for you and clear you on your route...
If you're flying in uncontrolled airspace where there is no regular communication available, then you don't have to file a flight plan, but you do have to have a flight itinerary. In Canada, anyway. A flight itinerary isn't filed in the same way as usual, but you must inform someone of your plan and they're responsible for letting authorities know if you don't come back.