What happens if an IFR clearance issued for departure from an uncontrolled field expires before takeoff?

• A. The clearance expires automatically and you may depart under renewed clearance
• B. The clearance is extended automatically
• C. You may depart without clearance
• D. The clearance expires; you must obtain a new clearance to depart

Answer: (C)

At uncontrolled fields, an IFR departure clearance is valid only for a specified moment (a clearance void time). If that time passes before you depart, the issued IFR clearance is no longer in effect. Since there is no control tower to reissue a departure clearance at an uncontrolled field, you may proceed to depart under basic VFR without an IFR clearance. After takeoff, you can contact ATC and obtain an IFR clearance if you plan to continue the flight under IFR or into controlled airspace.

This is why departing without clearance is the appropriate course in this scenario. The other options imply automatic extensions or that IFR departure is allowed without any clearance, which isn’t how IFR clearance validity works at uncontrolled airports.