One of the benefits (and frequent challenges) of flying IFR is operating under positive ATC guidance and control. If you are operating only at towered airports, this is fairly simple. Clearance or ground control will issue your clearance, and when you land safely at your destination, they will make sure to close your flight plan. Depending on where you fly, though, being under ATC’s watchful eye from takeoff to touchdown may be a luxury.
Most of these benefits/challenges still can be obtained when at least one airport in your flight plan is non-towered but—since you’ll be on your own for a portion of the flight—there are some differences and extra steps worth reviewing. Perhaps most important is the possible presence of VFR traffic, but some rules also change.
