OK, one thing I've never really understood is the point of Tower Enroute Control. Maybe it doesn't apply much here in the Midwest where there's space between TRACONs. Can anyone explain this to me, using small words and speaking slowly? Specifically, when is this used, what is the benefit,...

Why is it bad flight planning to use an intersection for your initial fix on your IFR flight? My plan has two NAVs and an IFR GPS. So I have at least 3 ways to identify the intersection granted doing it with one NAV is painful during departure but it could be done. I curious to hear people...

Check this out.... It seems like a scam to me. SK http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2442621869&category=26428

You get both the IFR Departure Clearance Training AND the IFR Pilot Communications Training on original CD's. See website for details. http://www.comm1radio.com/home.html Great product for IFR Students. Ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2443001966

Flying to Burnet, Texas (BMQ) the other day: "Houston Center, 7nz request vectors-to-final Burnet GPS-01, or else request direct JIBAJ for the GPS-19" "7nz, you're number three, cleared direct Burnet, expect further clearance 2125" .... I didn't understand what he was telling me to do once I got...

My AOPA membership comes up for yearly renewal at the end of September. Today, I got a membership renewal request via email from the organization. Here is my response: Dear AOPA, The question arises. Why should an FAA enroute air traffic controller who

If the missed approach on the IAP says something like: heading of 270 to 4000 Intercept the XXX VOR R-180 Direct to XXX VOR What should you do if you get to R-180 before you get to 4000? Keep climbing on 270 to 4000?

A CFI with airplane single-engine rating but not instrument-airplane (not a CFII) gives flight instruction to a private pilot. Part of the flight is in the clouds, with the private pilot flying. Can the CFI log instrument time under FAR 61.51(g)(2): "An authorized instructor may log instrument...

Finally got a real hold...never had one before. Held for 25min over CHS at 3000ft waiting my turn to do the VOR approach into JZI...OVC008.9SM didn't expect it, but it really was no big deal. They gave plenty of explanation and warning when to expect the approach. Just interesting, hardly...

Any pointer for a short trip IFR or VFR to IAD? -- remove underscores to email

Has anyone seen a chart for a new localizer approach into KASE? The localizer data is in the new DAFIF cycle, but neither MyAirplane.com nor AOPA have a chart for it. http://www.airnav.com/airport/ASE/ils/15

As I was preparing for an angel flight to Savannah last week, I compared my out of date approach charts with the online versions and noticed that all the approaches using the SAV VOR had changed, and what's more, the VOR itself had moved about 5 miles west. No problem, just print new charts from...

I don't know how many are aware of the current push to implement Broadband Power Line (BPL) high speed internet connections, but is has some interesting ramifications. Perhaps Jim has looked into this. BPL as I understand it caused a good deal of interference from a bit above the AM broadcast...

Went to my local pilot shop this week to pick up some new IFR charts, and noticed a sign near the cash register that stated that Jepp charts were now only available on a subscription basis through Jepp. I've only ever used NOS charts, but had heard how good Jepp charts were and was interested in...

Can anyone recomend a part 141 school for an instrument rating in NJ or Eastern PA? Any experience, good or bad with Aero Prep at Flying W? I'm looking for a program I can get through on weekends in 6 weeks to two months. Thanks, Ken Dietz

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0311020421nov02,1,1068995.story FAA report rips DuPage flight school Records falsified to pass students, investigator finds By Jon Hilkevitch Tribune transportation reporter Published November 2, 2003

I was wondering: If you filed GPS Direct Harlingen to El Paso you take a bite out of Mexico around Big Bend, but gain 20-25 minutes no wind in the process. Wondering, what, if any, problems are there in this sort of IFR flight plan? Will a direct clearance even be available? I would assume(?)...

I was bored this morning, so: I wrote a Random Hold Generator. If you go to http://www.tripacerdriver.com/cgi-bin/randomHold it'll show you a list of 15 random holds you can fly. Refreshing the page will give you a new list. You can print them out, draw them, figure out the entries, and then...

BoDEAN, www.pocketfms.com -- Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

How much is a marker beacon receiver really used in IFR flying? I'm building a new panel and need to decide if I want to include one or not. Appreciate your input. Gary Gunn