When a VFR aircraft calls and appears to request an IFR clearance, what action must the Radar Controller take?

• A. Ask if a flight plan is on file; if on file locate and depart; if not, advise to contact Aero Center FDU to file; no clearance until the pilot reports back on frequency.
• B. Immediately issue an IFR clearance without checks.
• C. Direct the pilot to file IFR with any center and issue clearance after.
• D. Deny clearance and ask to land.

Answer: (A)

When a VFR aircraft asks for IFR clearance, the radar controller must first confirm whether an IFR flight plan exists for that aircraft. If a plan is on file, locate it and prepare to issue the IFR clearance after the proper coordination with the appropriate Center and ensuring all routing, altitude, and handoff details are correct; the clearance is withheld until the pilot reports back on the assigned frequency.

If there is no IFR flight plan on file, instruct the pilot to contact the Center's Flight Data Update (FDU) to file the IFR plan, and do not issue any IFR clearance until the pilot reports back on frequency. This sequence ensures there is a valid, coordinated plan before clearing the aircraft, which maintains proper separation and safe handoffs.

Issuing an IFR clearance immediately without a filed plan would bypass essential safeguards. Directing the pilot to file with any center and then clear after lacks the necessary coordination and validation. Denying clearance and asking to land isn’t appropriate when the request is for IFR and a clearance may be achievable with the correct filing and coordination.