Isn’t Heading Required?
On page 14 of the February issue (“Glass Panel Scans“), you state that “a case can be made” for flying track instead of a heading assigned by ATC. This I have to hear.
Readback: May 2010
On page 14 of the February issue (Glass Panel Scans), you state that a case can be made for flying track instead of a heading assigned by ATC. This I have to hear. When a controller assigns me a heading, that is what he wants me to do, and doing something else would seem to constitute failure to follow an ATC instruction. Your thoughts?
Key Takeaways:
- Pilots can often prioritize flying track (course) over strictly following an assigned heading, as ATC's ultimate goal is typically to achieve a specific track, and controllers rarely object if a pilot maintains course efficiently.
- IFR fuel reserve requirements (FAR 91.167 for 45 minutes) are mandated by actual Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), not just being on an IFR flight plan; VFR fuel minimums (FAR 91.151) apply if conditions are Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
- Multiple methods exist for updating GPS flight plans en route, such as going direct to a new fix/destination, activating a pre-stored flight plan, or utilizing crossfill capabilities with dual GPS units.
- Readers appreciate content on modern avionics and "TAA mindset" but also request the magazine to include more articles relevant to pilots flying aircraft with traditional "steam gauges."
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