Abbreviated Instrument Flight Rules Flight Plans

An authorization by Air Traffic Control (ATC) requiring pilots to submit only that information needed for the purpose of ATC. It includes only a small portion of the usual Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan information. In certain instances, this may be only aircraft identification, location, and pilot request. Other information may be requested if needed by ATC for separation/control purposes. It is frequently used by aircraft which are airborne and desire an instrument approach or by aircraft which are on the ground and desire a climb to Visual Flight Rule (VFR)-on-top. (FAA4)