SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-void-time

Your IFR clearance has a void time and you miss it. What does that do?

It withdraws your authority to depart IFR until a new release.

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  1. Withdraws your authority to depart IFR until a new release ✔
  2. Cancels your IFR flight plan
  3. Has no effect once airborne

Why: The AIM says an expired void time does not cancel the clearance or flight plan, but it withdraws authority to depart IFR until ATC issues a new release. Advise ATC of your intentions as soon as possible.

Huh, didn't know that: The AIM wording is 'Clearance void if not off by (time).'

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References

Answer: Withdraws your authority to depart IFR until a new release. The AIM says an expired void time does not cancel the clearance or flight plan, but it withdraws authority to depart IFR until ATC issues a new release. Advise ATC of your intentions as soon as possible.

  1. AIM 5-2 Departure Procedures www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap5_section_2.html
    It withdraws the pilot's authority to depart IFR until a new departure release/release time has been issued by ATC
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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