"Greg Farris" wrote in message
...
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.

You can always cancel your flight plan. Or not open it. (if VFR). The rental
company says you got to file it only .