The Field is IFR! - So?

[Delta Echo]

Ok so here we go. I know this might be easy and simple for most of you but what I am looking for is the documentation to back this up.

When a tower or ASOS reports IFR conditions what becomes IFR and what is restricted?

Is the entire airspace around the tower(I.E. Class D/C/B) IFR?

Let me explain. Lets say there is an airport in the US that is Class C(standard airspace config). The tower owned sfc-1000agl(5mile ring). The approach control is deldgates the rest of the airspace and must sequence all traffic.

When the airport/asos reports IFR conditions does the whole Class C airspace become IFR or just that part owned by the tower?

Remember I am looking for documentation on this from either the AIM or 7110.65 or where ever!!

Now I am also looking for this.
Can a VFR A/C transition the Class C if the field is IFR if he can maintain VFR? (remember this is a transition!)

Thanks for the help
DE

 

[BoeingBoy]

This question came up several months ago and it's basically a gray area.

Assuming that there is only one airport with weather reporting within the class C airspace - not two with one reporting IFR and the other reporting VFR - the weather reported for the airport is the only official weather for the airspace. Since you need to be in contact with ATC while transiting the class C airspace and the only weather report they have indicates IFR, they could question your VFR transition of their airspace.

On the other hand, if you're VFR and are sure that you can remain in VFR conditions you could report that when checking in with ATC (airplane xyz, 5,00 ft, VFR on top, etc). They could then allow the transit of their airspace with a "maintain VFR" requirement.

I don't think you'll find a definite answer in either the AIM or FAR's. There may be something in the ATC manuals.

Jim