The dimensions of the restricted area are on the back of the sectional,
together with hours of operation and the controlling facility. Your concern
might be eliminated by simply saying "Is restricted area R-xxx hot?" If it
is not, you are in good shape. If it is, tell the controller that you are
going to fly around it (or over it, if possible).

I stuck KLOU direct KMTO into Aeroplanner and didn't see the problems you
relate. Maybe AOPA knows something that Aeroplanner doesn't know.

ATC has no responsibility to keep you clear of an active restricted
area...that is your baby. But asking is simple. After you are airborne and
clear of the KLOU Class D, go to 123.675 and say "Departure, Cessna xxxxx
VFR Bowman Field to Mattoon, IL, request flight following." You might even
be able to shortcut the situation by telling the tower operator that you
will be asking for FF...in most cases, the tower will coordinate with the
radar facility and they will be waiting for your call.

Flight following does not control your flight...you do. Just tell them if
you do something unexpected, like turn 90 degrees. You're not required to
advise them of altitude changes, but it helps them with planning if you do.

Bob Gardner


"Greg" wrote in message
om...
I was going to ask my CFI these questions but I figured these groups
are so rich with information and opinions that I would start here.

I am a 120 hr PP planning a VFR X/C from Bowman field Louisville, KY
(KLOU) to Mattoon, IL (KMTO) this weekend. According to the new AOPA
flight planner (very cool, by the way)this takes me right through the
middle of a TFR southwest of the Hoosier Vortac. To complicate things
there is a restricted area smack dab in the middle of the TFR (these
are ground to... well higher than I can fly right?). My gut is
telling me not to chance being where I'm not supposed to be and make
the trip via Bloomington,IN (KBMG)to avoid any possible trouble . If
you look at the sectional there aren't too many land marks in that
area and it would be easy fly over the TFR but through the resticted
area. I have a rather old GPS on board that is very small, in a
strange place (down and to the right of the yoke), and it is as old as
dirt..no telling when it was last updated. So here are some
questions..

1)So what do you guys think? Do I fly over it? Or am I asking for
trouble? (this TFR, if I understand correctly, is from the ground to
5000 AGL). Obviously, this would be a bad place to loose the engine!

2)If I fly direct will ATC (flight following) help me stay clear or
will they let me wander into the restricted area and then say, "now
look what you've done dumbass...land and give us a call" (In so many
words) My girlfriend isn't a huge fan of small planes anyway so an
F-16 on my wingtip would be bad, really bad.

3) If I go via BMG how do I ask for flight following? I am assuming
that I just tell them that I am going to MTO via BMG at 7,500. If
this is correct and I am granted flight following am I obligated to
fly all the way to BMG or can I turn on course to MTO a little south
of BMG?

4) I have never used Fligh****ch. How do you know when to call on
122.0 and when to listen on VOR's, etc. Also what is the correct
phraseology to ask for a weather update?

Thanks in advace guys and gals!

Greg