Readback: August 2015

While I was working on my instrument rating, I sought advice from a number of sources. One group of pilot friends said that with an instrument rating-or even now, to get in the habit-I should file/follow Victor airways. Another group says Why? No need to follow land-based navaids; just file direct.

Editorial Staff

Thursday, July 02, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

While filing direct is operationally acceptable, filing IFR routes via airways or terrestrial navaids is generally recommended for better planning, accounting for GPS failure, and aligning with current airspace design.
Pilots express concerns about the inevitability of drone collisions with manned aircraft without tighter restrictions, and the impracticality of ATC issuing "tracks" instead of "headings" due to complexities with varying aircraft equipment and procedures.
Pilots must correctly differentiate between visibility in miles and Runway Visual Range (RVR) on FAA approach charts, as their interpretation is crucial and the FAA assumes pilots understand the distinction.

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Direct? Or Airways?

While I was working on my instrument rating, I sought advice from a number of sources. One group of pilot friends said that with an instrument rating—or even now, to get in the habit—I should file/follow Victor airways. Another group says “Why? No need to follow land-based navaids; just file direct.”