On Wed, 23 Nov 2005 00:14:38 GMT, Jose
wrote:

It seems possible to me to fly direct between most any 2 points, off
airways, without vectors, using 2 VOR's and a sectional chart. Just
plot a series of radial intersections at appropriate distances from
each other to ensure remaining close (for gov'ment work) to the
desired direct track.

I don't know if it is legal or not (that would be up to the FAA, after
the accident), but it would be impractical. I have almost never flown
an IFR clearance that I have carefully plotted at home. The clearance I
get is different, and there are numerous reroutes enroute. Imagine
being in bumpy air in the soup, and given "direct WAYNS". You are
somewhere between two VORs flying an airway. Ok, with an intersection
you can figure out pretty much where you are, now try plotting it on
your lap on a sectional, crossing from front to back, going over three
creases, bumping along in the clouds. Betcha can't even draw a straight
line, let alone calculate points along it.

The last time I plotted a course was for the PPL. I didn't even have
to plot one for the instrument rating. I did have a chart with my
times (from the computer) and I was carrying a simple calculator.
I used a VFR hand held GPS for "situational awareness" and that made
the DE happy.

BTW, my hand held has all the enroute way points in it.
The latest update even has the fixes for the local GPS approaches.


Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair)
www.rogerhalstead.com

Jose