BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

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AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
method for that airport or the aircraft cannot comply with any authorized IFR departure
method(s) for any reason (ex. aircraft equipment). Departing VFR and later obtaining an
IFR clearance can present serious hazards and inconvenience if not accomplished with a
thorough knowledge of obstacles, airspace, and air traffic control in the area.
9.13.1.1. When departing VFR, an ATC clearance is not required unless departing
from an airport within Class B airspace. Comply with communication, transponder,
and other requirements detailed in AFMAN 11-217 Volume 2, VFR Flight
Procedures.
9.13.1.1.1. It can be difficult or impossible to obtain an IFR clearance after
airborne if the controller’s workload is high (especially when in Class B or C
airspace). Insure you are thoroughly familiar with the air traffic control and
airspace environment prior to departing VFR, or you could be forced to maintain
VFR for an extended distance along your planned routing.
9.13.1.2. When departing VFR, you are solely responsible for terrain, obstacle,
traffic, and wake turbulence avoidance.
9.13.1.2.1. If you subsequently receive your IFR clearance but are below the IFR
MEA for your area, you are responsible for terrain and obstruction clearance until
reaching the MEA, even though you are now on an IFR clearance.
9.13.1.2.2. Although a VFR departure relieves you of the responsibility to
maintain IFR minimum climb gradients IAW AFI 11-202 Volume 3, General
Flight Rules, you must still conduct a thorough study of terrain and obstacles. Do
not discount the IFR climb gradients and obstacle information when departing
VFR, as these are providing valuable information about obstacles that will affect
your departure regardless of what type of flight plan you use for departure.
9.13.1.3. A viable option when electing to depart VFR is to depart on an IFR
clearance and climb VFR to the IFR MEA. When doing this procedure you are on an
IFR clearance and may even be assigned the same routing as an IFR departure, but
you are solely responsible for terrain, obstruction, traffic, and wake turbulence
avoidance until reaching a specified altitude. When climbing VFR to the specified
altitude, you must also maintain VFR cloud clearances and have basic VFR weather
minimums for takeoff IAW AFI 11-202 Volume 3, General Flight Rules.
9.13.1.3.1. To file for a VFR climb to the IFR altitude, consult FLIP GP for the
most current guidance. In general, this procedure simply requires a remark on the
flight plan stating that you request a VFR climb.
9.13.1.4. When departing VFR, you must maintain VFR cloud clearances until
obtaining an IFR clearance or reaching the IFR MEA.
9.14. RNAV Departure Procedures. RNAV Departure Procedures take advantage of the
ability of RNAV systems to fly accurate and repeatable ground tracks.
9.14.1. Levels of service. There are two different types of RNAV Departure Procedures
under development – level 1 and level 2. Level 1 Departure Procedures are based on
RNP 1.0 criteria. Level 2 RNAV Departure Procedures are based on RNP 2.0 criteria.
Specific equipage requirements will be listed on the RNAV DP.