Many rental companies REQUIRE you to file a flight plan if yoiu're going more
than 50nm from their base. This is a bit of an inconvenience, as it cuts your
liberty to fly where you want. I am all for flight plans, flight following,
continuous radio contact and business-like conduct for most flights, even VFR
- but when the weather's beautiful, and you're only going 100nm or so, of
route that you know like the back of your hand, it's a bit of a shame not to
be able to take your time, check something out, show someone who's never been
up before something special - even land somewhere else if you feel like it.
Under these conditions, the only use for a flight plan is to assist SAR.
Flight following is just as good - and probably better. This is a kink in the
rental system today.

G Faris