Ya that would make a lot of sense actually Lloyd, I've heard a couple times when centre asked someone to call and cancel their ifr on the ground in cross because someone else is waiting for an approach. With an itin you would never call and nobody would be able to defend there till you take off again.Lloyd YWG FIC wrote:
In order for a controller to issue a clearance he needs flight plan data in the "system" hence the filing of IFR itins with an FIC prior to flight. If the itin is filed with company, the controller has no data so some kind of airfile would be required to get a clearance. Once again, personal operating habits (as well as workload) may dictate how persnickety any particular controller or FSS may or may not be. Some FSS tend to get upset at airfiles. They know who they are and they should grow up.
As far as CYCR and places like it under an airway (CZFG, CZAC, etc), I think the ability to report out of controlled airspace comes into play. There is a need to know when the aircraft has departed controlled airspace. I know I've accepted IFR itins for stopovers at CYCR and CZFG and in some cases there were displeased people but hey, that's what the pilot wanted so I'll process the filed plan and worry about the admin part later. Nine times out of ten the controller accommodated the plan so no harm no foul.
I have no clue what other FIRs do with these animals but they worked well in YWG FIR when everyone did their job. Maybe things have changed since I retired.
FIC is hurting without you Lloyd, guy I talked to today said they are short staffed, had to wait almost 10 seconds for someone to answer the phone!
But seriously, ya, there is a LOT of overtime and I don't think management realizes how much they are burning the people out. We ain't in our twenties or thirties anymore. I pretty well stopped working overtime my last few years. I'd take it if they were desperate and kudos for management or allowing me to always be on the bottom of the list for being called in. (that's me sucking up to the NavCanada dude or dudette in Ottawa who is in charge of looking for employees posting on this forum)
