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Refuelling during IFR flight, possible?

PostPosted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:29 am
by GeneticA
Hi,
A few weeks ago I've started a flight from somewhere in Spain to somewhere in USA (I don't remember the airports, it has been a while). I was not avare that the fuel won't be enough for this flight.

I used the flight planner to set up the flight (IFR). It just drew the route first towards Britain then to USA. (I guess flight planner does not warn if the fuel is not enough for a flight?)

I make little sessions and then save the flight. Now I am somewhere over France.

I wonder if I'll be able to re-fuel somewhere in Britain without cancelling IFR and continue my flight to USA under IFR conditions.

Is this possible? Will the ATC offer me to refuel or will I be able to offer refuelling or will the controller just watch me sinking and crashing to ground with no fuel  :o ?

By the way the aircraft is default Learjet. I even don't know if this will make from Britain to USA if refuelled at Britain.

Re: Refuelling during IFR flight, possible?

PostPosted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 7:53 am
by garymbuska
Hate to brake the news to you but ATC will not allow you to refuel without canceling or changing the destination.
If you look at the navlog it will tell you how long the flight is going to be then you can look at the specs for the lear it gives you its max range. If the trip is anywhere close to the max range you might consider using a differt plane. The max range for any aircraft is under ideal conditions mith minimum weights no head winds and a lot of prayer might help.
But you can always change the ILS destination land then refile your trip from that point on. I usually make medium hops on long trips to allow for refuelling .
In other words turn  your long flight into several short to medium ones. 8)

Re: Refuelling during IFR flight, possible?

PostPosted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 8:20 am
by GeneticA
Thank you very much for the reply garymbuska.

So I guess I will change the destination to Britain, land, file another plan, change the plane if necessary then head up to USA.

And I'll take your advice and make medium range plans for long flights.

Re: Refuelling during IFR flight, possible?

PostPosted: Thu Apr 29, 2004 10:46 am
by garymbuska
There is one other option if you fly VFR you can go anywhere you want. The down side of this is you will have to change transponder frequencies a lot and you will not get any vectors to land at your destination. Nor will it tell you when to start descending and you will have to manually select your airport once you get close enough to it. But by flying VFR you can stop at any point you want to then continue on without having to file another flight plan. 8)

What is the easiest way to change IFR destination?

PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 1:13 am
by satz
Hi all,

could someone tell me the best way to change IFR destination during a flight?


thanks


Satz

Re: Refuelling during IFR flight, possible?

PostPosted: Fri Apr 30, 2004 3:20 pm
by garymbuska
Satz  I have bad news for you FS2002 will not allow mid flight IFR changes :(. Only FS2004 has that option 8)