Being asked to "verify direct XXX"

"Patrick Dirks" wrote in message
news:no-spam-to-pwd-90E9E7.16470019042005@localhost...

FWIW it has been my understanding that ATC cannot legally assign you
"direct" to some fix you cannot navigate to using the equipment suffix
you've filed with; if you file /U or /A you can't be expected to
navigate directly to a fix not defined by VORs.


There is no such restriction.



Of course it is YOUR responsibility to figure out what you can navigate
to, and to tell ATC you're "unable" if ATC tries to clear you somewhere
that would require use of a GPS; a VFR hand-held GPS is irrelevant as
far as "official" navigation is concerned.


For IFR enroute navigation off-airways or beyond normal usable navaid limits
a VFR hand-held GPS is just as relevant as an IFR certified unit.



That said, I've also understood that adding "VFR GPS" in the remarks
might encourage ATC to give assign you a HEADING somewhere, maybe with
"direct when able" or something, on the assumption that with the aid of
your VFR GPS you'll be able to head somewhere with surprising accuracy,
which helps everyone.


You fly a heading with your DG, not your GPS. If you want to proceed direct
somewhere with your handheld GPS then just ask for direct.



You could also ask for "Radar vectors" to somewhere, perhaps as in
"request heading 242 degrees, radar vectors FUBAR"; with "VFR GPS" in
the remarks ATC might go along, assuming you'll end up making a nice
beeline for FUBAR.


Or you could drop all the silliness and just ask for direct FUBAR.



Officially you're on Radar Vectors and ATC retains
responsibility for you; in practice you're no added trouble because you
can head somewhere better than without your "VFR GPS" on board.


ATC is just as responsible for you if you're proceeding direct to FUBAR.



That's the reason I've always understood for "VFR GPS ON BOARD" and why
I occasionally specify it filing IFR.


"VFR GPS ON BOARD" tells ATC you have a VFR GPS on board and nothing else.
Stop playing these silly games. If you want to proceed direct them just
file direct. Doesn't matter if you file /U, /A, /G, or put "VFR GPS" in
remarks.