"Mark D" wrote in message news:lYWLb.48857$ts4.47193@pd7tw3no...

What are the *real world* implications of flying into busy airspace IFR in a
piston single/light twin..this is all assuming that you do NOT have a way of
navigating direct (GPS), etc.

The real world implications for me have always been quite tame. I
have flown my light twin under Instrument Flight Rules in all corners
of the U.S., poked over the dotted line into Canada, and routinely fly
through some of the busiest airspace in the country. The procedures
everywhere are the same; the 'local customs' might be different. The
difference is subtle.

For instance, I am quite familiar with arrival and departure
procedures into the Orlando area, naturally. That's where I live.
I'm also quite familiar with terminal airspace in Phoenix, Denver, Los
Angeles, San Diego, Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York. Procedurally
there are no surprises. The amount of latitude you're granted may
vary. I can negotiate with just about everyone, but I won't always
get what I want.

GPS makes things a lot easier. I did a fair amount of needle and DME
flying before my airplane transformed into /G. If controllers ask if
you can navigate direct to a fix and you can, say yes. Don't read too
much into it. A handheld VFR GPS to assist with "situational
awareness" in such instances is nice.

I am frequently assigned the LEESE ONE arrival (LEESE.LEESE1) into
Orlando from the northwest. I have never actually flown it. I can't
comment on whether the turbojet inbounds use it or not. It's a lost
comm CYA for the approach controller. In IFR flying, there are lots
of procedures in place which, in practice, are just used as lost comm
safeties.

If you can react reasonably quickly and can keep a nominal airspeed on
approach (I've flown ILSs at 150 knots) chances are you'll slip right
in to the nation's busiest airports with nary a problem. Work with
the controller. You might get looped back around onto final once or
more times. Roll with it.

The hardest part is sometimes the ground taxi at certain large
airports. I find that to be more stressful than the flight. Have an
airport diagram ready and do not hesitate to ask for clarification if
there is any confusion whatsoever.

Best,

Ryan