Marco Leon wrote:
I posted this over at the IFR group but I had only one reply so I figured
I'd try here.

Question: Are folks with IFR Approach-certified GPS boxes supposed to file
/G or /R?

Before you answer consider that the AIM (and every other publication I could
find) define /G suffixes for Enroute and Terminal and it does not mention
"Approach." I've been filing /G with a Garmin GNS430 installation and I
initially scoffed at the notion when a pilot friend said I should be filing
/R. When he asked if I ever noticed that I've never been assigned a GPS or
RNAV approach when filing /G, I really couldn't remember if I have. Can
anyone else out there confirm being assigned a GPS approach when filing /G?

It's a failing of the FAA. You are a /G.


The other thing that's throwing a wrench into my logic is that the Preferred
Routes database on the FAA's website stipulates that some off-airways routes
can only be filed/cleared when filing "/E, /F, /G ONLY."


WHAT???? You mean you can't use a handheld and get cleared direct? I'm
shocked.