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:
- Pilots flying IFR aircraft without IFR-legal GPS (/U aircraft) often receive direct clearances they cannot immediately fly due to lack of RNAV capability.
- A legal and recommended technique for /U pilots is to ask ATC for a vector toward a VOR or fix, followed by "direct when able," allowing ATC to provide guidance until the pilot can navigate independently.
- The FAA confirms that requesting a vector to a fix defined by crossing radials and "direct when able" is acceptable, even if course monitoring isn't possible until approaching the fix.
- However, accepting "direct when able" to an intersection not on an airway or an airport not co-located with a VOR is generally not recommended by the FAA due to the lack of official fix positions or published minimum reception altitudes.
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