It’s a tough IFR world for /U aircraft out there. ATC issues direct clearances assuming the pilot has an IFR-legal GPS. But there are a few tricks even without approved RNAV.
Direct to a fix with /U
Flying the system without an IFR GPS these days can be a frustrating experience. Youre plodding along the airways while you listen to more-equipped birds getting time-saving directs off-route.
Key Takeaways:
- Non-RNAV (/U) aircraft face challenges receiving direct IFR clearances designed for GPS-equipped aircraft, and using portable GPS as the sole means of navigation is not legally permissible.
- For VORs, pilots can legally request a vector and "direct when able," allowing ATC to provide guidance until the VOR is within reception range.
- The FAA confirms it is also legal for /U aircraft to accept vectors and "direct when able" to fixes (e.g., defined by crossing radials), with ATC maintaining responsibility until the aircraft can navigate to the fix.
- These "direct when able" strategies are generally applicable to charted VORs or fixes, but not to arbitrary points like airports not co-located with NAVAIDs or un-charted intersections due to lack of official position data.
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