IFR with a VFR GPS

OK, I broke down and sprung for the Lowrance Airmap 2000c instead of the
1000. Wow.

Normally I rent a plane that has a panel-mounted IFR certified Garmin 430,
but that may change due to circumstances beyond my control in a few months.

Obviously I can't file /G IFR without a proper IFR GPS, but this one will be
used as a backup and for cross-reference at the very least.

So...do I tell a briefer to note that I have a VFR GPS and will the
controllers take note, sending me direct, off airways? Will it make any
difference to them at all? Given the fact that nearly everyone has one
nowadays, will they assume I have a GPS even if I don't indicate it?
--
Jeff 'The Wizard of Draws' Bucchino

Cartoons with a Touch of Magic�
http://www.wizardofdraws.com

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Wizard of Draws wrote:
OK, I broke down and sprung for the Lowrance Airmap 2000c instead of the
1000. Wow.

Normally I rent a plane that has a panel-mounted IFR certified Garmin 430,
but that may change due to circumstances beyond my control in a few months.

Obviously I can't file /G IFR without a proper IFR GPS, but this one will be
used as a backup and for cross-reference at the very least.

So...do I tell a briefer to note that I have a VFR GPS and will the
controllers take note, sending me direct, off airways? Will it make any
difference to them at all? Given the fact that nearly everyone has one
nowadays, will they assume I have a GPS even if I don't indicate it?
When I'm asked if I can go direct, I tell them I can follow vectors very
precisely. In the north east where there is very good radar coverage
that seems to work well.
John

Wizard of Draws wrote:
So...do I tell a briefer to note that I have a VFR GPS and will the
controllers take note, sending me direct, off airways? Will it make any
difference to them at all? Given the fact that nearly everyone has one
nowadays, will they assume I have a GPS even if I don't indicate it?

Probably. Jeff I've filed direct a few times and been cleared and I
haven't mentioned anything but /U. I've also asked for direct while
enroute once or twice and have been asked by ATC if I can go direct
while enroute also. So I don't really think it matters if you do or
you don't. If it works out better for them and you are direct capable
its a win/win situation.

Probably. Jeff I've filed direct a few times and been cleared and I
haven't mentioned anything but /U. I've also asked for direct while
enroute once or twice and have been asked by ATC if I can go direct
while enroute also. So I don't really think it matters if you do or
you don't. If it works out better for them and you are direct capable
its a win/win situation.

I have a Garmin 150XL (VFR) in the Lance and I take direct routings to
fixes when offered. The 150XL has all IFR fixes even though it's a VFR
unit. When IFR I file / India as if I had RNAV equipment.

OK, I broke down and sprung for the Lowrance Airmap 2000c instead of the
1000. Wow.

Normally I rent a plane that has a panel-mounted IFR certified Garmin 430,
but that may change due to circumstances beyond my control in a few
months.

Obviously I can't file /G IFR without a proper IFR GPS, but this one will
be
used as a backup and for cross-reference at the very least.

So...do I tell a briefer to note that I have a VFR GPS and will the
controllers take note, sending me direct, off airways? Will it make any
difference to them at all? Given the fact that nearly everyone has one
nowadays, will they assume I have a GPS even if I don't indicate it?

I fly with a Garmin 296 on the yoke, the airplane is equipped /A
(transponder and DME), and I always put "VFR GPS" in the remarks section on
the advice of an air traffic controller friend. Since then, I routinely get
cleared direct to fixes way down the road and outside normal VOR navaid
coverage, so I can only assume they are seeing and using the remarks. Many
times, they clear me without me even asking, like to the initial
intersection of a STAR at my destination airport.

I always put "VFR GPS" in the remarks section on the advice of an air traffic controller friend.

Good idea - I wonder why *my* ATC pals haven't suggested this before...

wrote in message
oups.com...

Good idea - I wonder why *my* ATC pals haven't suggested this before...


Probably because it's unnecessary. If you want direct just file direct.

Probably because it's unnecessary. If you want direct just file direct.

Out West direct for the entire flight is not usually possible with
non-turbo aircraft. What usually happens is when you get half way in
the middle of no-where on an airway, the controller will send you
direct to some intersection because he knows you are now far enough way
to avoid the mountain rather than have to continue to fly down the
airway until you get to the next intersection. Besides, I can't
remember the last time I was actually given the route I filed. I've
tried to second guess the routes in the Bay Area and L.A (even the
central valley) but they seem to change on a daily basis (probably
depending on which way each airport is landing jets). When flying into
SoCal you usually get an "updated" routing about 1/2 way down. That
routing is usually longer than the amount of space you have on your
flight plan (bring extra paper to write it all down).
-Robret

"Robert M. Gary" wrote in message
ps.com...

Out West direct for the entire flight is not usually possible with
non-turbo aircraft.


So what would be the purpose of putting "VFR GPS" in the remarks section for
such flights?



What usually happens is when you get half way in
the middle of no-where on an airway, the controller will send you
direct to some intersection because he knows you are now far enough way
to avoid the mountain rather than have to continue to fly down the
airway until you get to the next intersection.


So why don't you file that?



Besides, I can't
remember the last time I was actually given the route I filed. I've
tried to second guess the routes in the Bay Area and L.A (even the
central valley) but they seem to change on a daily basis (probably
depending on which way each airport is landing jets). When flying into
SoCal you usually get an "updated" routing about 1/2 way down. That
routing is usually longer than the amount of space you have on your
flight plan (bring extra paper to write it all down).


So what effect would putting "VFR GPS" in the remarks section have on that?

Exactly how we felt after a flight with our new AM2000C..

We getting the terrain database in a coupla weeks..then loading the
mapcreate maping...

Dave

On Tue, 08 Nov 2005 20:54:32 -0500, Wizard of Draws
wrote:

OK, I broke down and sprung for the Lowrance Airmap 2000c instead of the
1000. Wow.