I setup myself a 45 minute flight on a prop. Filed for IFR flying at 7500 feet. The ATC vectored me for approach minutes after I took off. Is this what it supposed to do? I cannot file for VFR as it was at night. What do I do with a such short flight like this? Thnx.

I usually accept the approach and ignore the headings and altitude they give me. Continue your route inbound. Then about 30 miles out or so, declare missed approach. They will then give you another approach.

Or, select an alternate 'procedure' approach and get a 'direct to' the fix/waypoint/navaid for that approach.I never accept getting vectored anymore......but to answer the origional question...yes, this is typical for a short 45 minute flight.

You can file VFR at night if you prefer...but this always happens when the flight distance is short, as ATC starts vectoring 60nm out.

Also, IFR altitudes are thousands. Westbound pick an even thousand above 3000' AGL (e.g. 4000, 6000, 8000 and so on) eastbound pick an odd thousand.VFR altitudes are thousands + 500' (e.g. 4500 etc.)

It depends. Technically you can file for any alititude you want, and in a rare instance, ATC might give it to you. Rarely do they give authorization however. Also, in the US atleast, there is such a proceedure called VFR-On-Top that would allow you to fly an IFR flight plan with this altitude.Here's how the AIM defines it.: "ATC authorization for an IFR aircraft to operate in VFR conditions at any appropriate VFR altitude (as specified in FAR and as restricted by ATC). A pilot receiving this authorization must comply with the VFR visibility, distance from clouds, and the minimum IFR altitudes specified in FAR Part 91. The use of this term does not relieve controllers of their reponsibility to separate aircraft in Class B and Class C airspace or TRSAs as required by FAA Order 7110.65."----------------------------------------------------------------John MorganReal World: KGEG, UND Aerospace Spokane Satillite, Private ASEL 141.2 hrs, 314 landings, 46 inst. apprs.Virtual: MSFS 2004"There is a feeling about an airport that no other piece of ground can have. No matter what the name of the country on whose land it lies, an airport is a place you can see and touch that leads to a reality that can only be thought and felt." - The Bridge Across Forever: A Love Story by Richard Bach

That may be true in the US but not everywhere.For example, VFR flight is not permitted in any UK airspace at night. Night is defined as the time from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise, sunset and sunrise being determined at surface level.In the AIM definition, is an IFR aircraft one that can revert to flying IFR if need be, i.e. it's equipped for IFR and the pilot's licensed for IFR?

Correct. It's an aircraft flying in VMC with VFR altitude rules on an IFR flight plan. You still must comply with IFR minimum altitudes, position reporting, radio communications, course, and clearance restrictions.The only real advantage that I'm aware of is that you can pick your cruise altitude and change it as easily as in VFR conditions.This is not to be confused with VFR-Over-The-Top which is flying a VFR flight plan in VMC over an undercast layer.----------------------------------------------------------------John MorganReal World: KGEG, UND Aerospace Spokane Satillite, Private ASEL 141.2 hrs, 314 landings, 46 inst. apprs.Virtual: MSFS 2004"There is a feeling about an airport that no other piece of ground can have. No matter what the name of the country on whose land it lies, an airport is a place you can see and touch that leads to a reality that can only be thought and felt." - The Bridge Across Forever: A Love Story by Richard Bach