Is there a reason for some ATC flights not to have the full ATC approach instructions?I setup all flights the same way, with IFR as the default, but do not always get the instructed approach. I am going to major airports, and keeping all ATC communications active, and replying when asked.I accept that if I miss a communication that I am kicked off ATC and have to rejoin the world, so I probably have lost that flight plan. Apart from that I can see nothing else I am doing different between flights, and have even managed to work out Garmin for approaches and all that. However, it seems to be a random thing, sometimes all detailed approches are instructed, other times its just the usual find airpoet from list and do it yourself!Also, what is the minimum for an airfied to close down? I have approached major airports, with IFR flight logged, and been waved off as airport is IFR closed. I 'fly' the 737(With bruce Benaway's great panel) all the time and love the full ATC stuff when it happens!Any ideas happily received.RonaldGalsgowrmce

As for the first part of your question, it sounds like ATC might be clearing you to fly the approach as published. This would be the alternative to being vectored onto the approach."Also, what is the minimum for an airfield to close down?"Airports typically don't "close".Approach minimums are governed in the United States by a federal publication called 14 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) or more commonly referred to as the FAR's (Federal Aviation Regulations).I operate under part 91 of the FAR's and the minimums that I use are found on the affiliated approach plates for the airport that I intend to use. A pilot operating under part 121 of the FAR's might be able to shoot an approach down to 0/0 conditions. That's ceiling and flight visibility. Normal precision approach minimums are 200'AGL.As for departing an airport, there are no minimums published under part 91. I could legally takeoff in 0/0 (if I had a death-wish) :-badteeth. Normally, I use the lowest approach minimums for that airport as a guideline for departing. Some airports may also have published Obstacle Departure minimums as well. There are also minimums governing how one must file for alternate airports under part 91. Here's the nuts-and-bolts: If within one hour of your planned ETA, the ceilings are less than 2000'AGL and 3 Statute Miles visibility, then you must file for an alternate airport. The filing (flight plan) minimums for your alternate will be 800'AGL for Non-precision, and 600'AGL for precision approaches unless the airport has published alternate minimums. Once you divert to an alternate, your approach minimums become as they are published for the selected approach.Hope this helps a little. There's an awful lot to know about IFR, and I'm still learning every day, even as an instructor. :)

Thank you for your reply and information.I 'see' (??) it all now. I think!(lol)So, as I now understand it, the approach that I can activate on Garmin is the published approach, so ATC expects the pilot to follow that exact course. A foolish thing to ask of me I tell you!I folow the airport closed, but not really closed. FS will cancel your departure and flight plan if you are as << could legally takeoff in 0/0 (if I had a death-wish)>> stupid as I am.Thanks again.RonaldGlasgow

FS is a little funny there. In real life, ATC doesn't have the right to cancel your plan due to departure weather. They may ground all departing traffic temporarily for things such as heavy thunderstorms locally. This type of occurrence usually comes down to them being able to meet their responsibilities with things like prioritizing other arriving or diverting IFR traffic. They also have to give you what's called an 'IFR release' before you can depart. This is a matter of coordinating with other ATC agencies such as Departure, or Center for a "space" for you to fly in. When you get your IFR clearance you are simply being told that you will be allowed to fly to whatever clearance limit they give you (eventually). FS doesn't simulate IFR releases that I am aware of.I made an actual IFR flight to Tucson Intl. (KTUS) from Phoenix about two or three weeks ago. I picked up an IFR clearance, but had to wait another hour and a half before I was 'released' and allowed to take-off. That means having to shut your engines down and wait... wait... wait... and wait some more. It wouldn't be very much fun in FS. :)I never meant to imply that you were stupid, as I was talking from a real-world viewpoint. FS is entirely different, and it is a fun place to do things like 0/0 departures. :)

:)>>Hey, it was ME that was admitting to stupidity, I never for one minute thought you indicated my cerebally challenged persona in any way! My schoolkids freely tell me that every day anyway!!(lol)I now understand that waiting around would not be much fun. I recall waiting as a passenger for about 1 hour at McCarron where the British pilot was starting to slowly burn!! His regular updates were getting more and more aserebic!! Good psychology, allowing his passengers general '######' to be articulated!!Is there anyway to force ATC approach instructions, or demand them in FS or is it a wherever/whatever lottery.Thanks again for your help.RonaldGlasgow