Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 4000; Flight Crew Type 200
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure
ATC Issue All Types
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure; Airspace Structure; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
While starting engines about three minutes prior to Class D Control Tower closure; I asked North Las Vegas Tower/Control to provide my IFR clearance for a flight plan that was previously filed. They informed me that the Tower was closing and that my clearance would be void prior to departure (since the Tower was closing). The Ground/Tower Controller instructed me to contact Las Vegas Departure Control. I stated that I would depart VFR and contact Departure Control while airborne to pick up my IFR. After departure I made multiple attempts to contact Control on the frequency provided with no response. I continued on - stepping up beneath the Class B airspace to 7;500 FT MSL - approximately 17-20 NM from Las Vegas VOR. It wasn't until this time when Departure Control finally responded. At this position and course I was headed directly toward R-4806W. It was night; and there were mountains to the north (my desired direction); which at this altitude I was uncertain whether or not I could out-climb. It was imperative to have received a more prompt response from Departure Control to have received a timelier Class B clearance or IFR clearance. This clearance would have enabled me to initiate a climb much sooner; and would have removed my reluctance to make a turn toward the mountains.
A PA42 pilot; departing VGT; wass denied an IFR clearance by the Tower due to scheduled closure in three minutes. Reporter departed VFR and was unsuccessful in contacting Departure Control initially; resulting in difficulties avoiding Class B airspace and mountainous terrain to the north.