"Brien K. Meehan" wrote:
Okay, I'm here, and my destination is on the other side of one of the
Great Lakes. Flying direct will take me out of gliding distance from
shore, so I don't want to do that.
... but there's no obvious airway route around the lake. In fact,
there's a big honkin' Class B area, so even if I try to file a route,
it'll probably be reassigned anyways. So, I just want to be open to
receiving an assigned route, just not one that takes me over the lake.
So, what's the best way to ask for a route assignment that doesn't go
over the lake?

Routing is your choice. They may give you something different, at which
time you begin negotiations.

1) Put it in the filed plan? In the route? Or "NO LAKE OVERFLIGHT"
in the comments? Or something else?

That is what I have done. "REMARKS: NO OVERWATER FLIGHT ACCEPTED"

2) Tell the controller when I pick up my clearance?

If they give you an overwater leg, remind them of the REMARKS.

3) Wait for an assigned route, and if it goes over the lake, tell the
controller "unable"?

That's what I have done. Tell them you cannot accept that clearance.
Again, refer to the REMARKS. Tell them to standby while you review the
amended clearance. Never accept a clearance until you have looked at it
on your charts and determined you are able and willing to fly the
amended clearance.

4) Move to a different state?

Depends on how much the new job pays.