Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Total 450; Flight Crew Type 380
Situational Awareness; Distraction; Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure; Airspace Structure
On a VFR cross country training flight; the planned course took the flight through the TFR.  Upon departing local controller handed us off to Grand Forks Departure where ATC radar contacted us.  At that point we requested transition through the Grand Forks Air Force Base TFR; and GFK DEPT told us that; 'Transition through the TFR approved.'  We acknowledged our clearance through the TFR and proceeded on course.  I was telling my student that since we are in the TFR we have to be on with GFK DEPT until we are clear of the TFR as listed in the NOTAMs.  After some time had passed; ATC advised us that 'Radar services terminated; squawk VFR and frequency changed approved.'  At that point we acknowledged back; then tuned into FSS (Grand Forks Radio) to open our flight plan.  Once we changed over to open our flight plan; FSS (Grand Forks Radio) opened our flight plan but then advised us to 'Contact Grand Forks Approach immediately.'  We acknowledged and promptly contacted GFK APP on 121.50.  They then told us to contact them on 118.1; we did so as directed and they advised us to maintain that 'Frequency and will hand us over to Minneapolis Center in a bit.'
Pilot receives clearance to fly through the GFK AFB TFR. Controller then terminates the flight while in the TFR; pilot contacts FSS for IFR clearance and is told to contact GFK Approach immediately.