PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 97; Flight Crew Total 610; Flight Crew Type 520
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Airspace Violation All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Airspace Structure
I called Flight Services to file a VFR flight plan to ZZZ. The plan I offered was indirect and kept me out of the TFR nearby. We briefly discussed me being allowed to enter the TFR to my destination. He stated I was good to go as long as I filed a flight plan as I do when I fly through the SFRA in the Washington D.C area. I told him I was planning to contact ATC for flight following as well to insure I remained legal in the TFR. He continued his briefing and I asked when I should activate my plan. He stated it wouldn't be necessary for me to activate it. He said it was on file or something of that nature so I wouldn't have to activate. Once airborne; I immediately contacted ATC for VFR flight following request. They approved. Along my route of travel ATC kept vectoring me at my request. I requested vectors to ensure I did not violate any airspaces. Everything should be on the recording. They kept saying no problem. Approximately 10 NM from ZZZ ATC asked me to copy a phone number to call Center upon landing at my destination for a possible airspace violation. Also; about the same time; I lost my signals to my GPS and my Mode C. It seemed like everything that could go wrong was!After landing; I noticed a government airplane sitting on the ramp at the facility. Airport personnel told me; my wife and I had to get off the ramp immediately. I went inside the FBO and called Flight Services to close out my flight plan. The gentleman advised me there was no plan opened for me. After a moment of investigating; he told me the person filed me IFR not VFR. It was clear to him when I filed that I was flying VFR. I then called Center. After collecting my information; they told me I had nothing to worry about and no actions were being taken and that I did nothing wrong. After a long sigh of relief; I decided to report this incident. I will be submitting a request for all audio exchanges between myself and flight services.
PA28 pilot reported filing a VFR flight plan with Flight Service and being advised of a TFR at his destination. VFR flight following was used; but 10 NM from his destination he was asked to copy a phone number. After landing; when closing his flight plan he was informed there was no VFR flight plan; but there was an IFR flight plan on file.