In article . com,
"Chris Quaintance" wrote:

Hi Folks-

Without descending into the madness of the other thread, I have a
couple of questions regarding the use of a VFR GPS while IFR.

Hypothetically, let's say I was flying IFR from Santa Monica, CA to San
Jose, CA (SMO to RHV). The weather is CAVU. I am filed /A and cleared
via a fairly standard route on victor airways. Just past the mountains
and still 150 miles from RHV, Oakland Center asks me if I am "GPS
equipped." I answer in the affirmative as I have my trusty Garmin 296
mounted on the yoke. I am then cleared direct GILRO, direct RHV and I
accept the clearance. I proceed to fly said clearance and land at my
destination without futher issue.

I realize this is common practice. It seems to me it would not be
strictly "legal" as I would be relying on the 296 for primary
navigation.

It is my understanding that you will only get a direct off-airway clearance
if you are in radar coverage. In that case (being in radar coverage), having
a VFR GPS handheld or the fanciest IFR-certified GPS installation imaginable
doesn't make any difference in the legality of accepting the clearance.

--
Bob Noel
New NHL? what a joke