I've been asked to help write some code to assist in flight planning
by choosing routes. I have just enough Computer Science and IFR
background to make me dangerous. I said that I'd donate my effort
if it results in Free code the community can use. So we're making
this a community project.

Although this sounds like a fairly simple task, performed by DUAT(S)
and IFR students daily, there are a lot of complexities and I suspect
that there are lots of opportunities for the community to optimize
the process. Here's are some of my thoughts to kick around.

All the data we need should be in the FAA ATA-100 collection.
http://aviationtoolbox.org/old/ATA-100/
Flights will mostly be along airways.
http://aviationtoolbox.org/old/ATA-1...ats/Awy_rf.txt
Preferred routes should be used when possible.
http://aviationtoolbox.org/old/ATA-1...ats/Pfr_rf.txt
Transitions between airports and airways will be handled with
standard arrival and departure procedures when possible.
http://aviationtoolbox.org/old/ATA-1.../Stardp_rf.txt

Here's a simple-minded algorithm with lots of holes to fill.

Provide start and end airports and altitude
restrictions.

Get started with a standard departure or create one.

Use preferred route or create one using least cost
(mileage) routing. There are 20,757 airways.

Finish using a standard approach or create one.

So...suggestions?

Thank you.

--kyler