Date: 201606
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Amateur/Home Built/Experimental
Operator: Personal
Operating under: Part 91
Flight plan: SVFR
Mission: Personal
Flight phase: Parked
Reporter organization: Personal
Reporter function: Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Communication Breakdown
Anomaly: ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: Pre-flight
Result: Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Contributing factors: Procedure
Primary problem: Procedure

Narrative: We flew from ZZZ to Richmond; VA (KRIC). I [contacted] flight service to file an SFRA (Special Flight Rules Area) flight plan back into ZZZ; per standard procedure to enter the SFRA. I used the 1-800-WXBRIEF number. After a minute or two delay; I was answered by a flight service specialist. I informed the specialist that we had a pre-store on file; and after a brief time the specialist located the information. I explained that I needed to file an SFRA flight plan into ZZZ; and provided our estimated time of arrival; cruising altitude for that leg of the flight; time enroute; fuel on board; and the number of persons on board.The flight service specialist replied that they could not accept the flight plan over the 1-800-WXBRIEF line; and provided another phone number. I recognized this number as being for filing into the FRZ (Flight Restricted Zone) around Washington (e.g.; to fly into College Park; etc. the 'DC-3' airports; as they are known); as I also have clearance to fly into the FRZ. I explained that I did not need to enter the FRZ; but only to file an SFRA flight plan as noted above. The flight service specialist was insistent that I could not file an SFRA flight plan using the 1-800-WXBRIEF phone number. I gave up and said I'd air file; which I did successfully enroute via Leesburg Radio. (The system will not accept air filing of FRZ flight plans; but does accept air filed SFRA flight plans.)This procedure of using the nationwide 1-800-WXBRIEF number for filing SFRA flight plans has been in existence for years. I have used it both at ZZZ and from land lines at other airports; probably a few hundred times since the SFRA flight plan procedure was implemented years ago. This is the first time that I have encountered a flight service specialist who told me that I could not use the 1-800-WXBRIEF phone number for filing an SFRA flight plan. I do know that in the past; a call to the FRZ number was not acceptable for filing an SFRA flight plan. They only accept flight plans to; from; and/or in the FRZ on that number. It seems that further education is needed for at least some FSS personnel regarding the SFRA procedure; particularly when one considers that KRIC is so close (within 100 NM) of the SFRA.




Synopsis: A pilot called Flight Service to file an SFRA (Special Flight Rules Area) flight plan; a flight service specialist replied that she could not accept the flight plan over the 1-800-WXBRIEF line.