"S Herman" wrote in message
...

First off I am an instrument student, not yet rated. I have a lot more
marine navigation experience than aviation IFR experience, but let me
throw this out.
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. Is this illegal?


No.



Or is it just that you won't get a clearance using this method?


You can get a clearance using that method. ATC cannot know what you're
using for navigation unless you tell them and there's no reason for them to
ask.



I am assuming that the direct
course & altitude would be within reception range of the (2) needed
stations.


Then what's the point of plotting a series of radial intersections at
appropriate distances from each other to ensure remaining close to the
desired track? The desired track would be the two radials that define a
direct course between the two VORs.



This would require a bit of OBS twisting for sure.


It would require you to select the outbound radial from the first VOR and
the inbound radial from the second VOR.



You would use your VFR GPS to reassure yourself that you are on that
desired track. If anyone asks, your primary means of navigating were by
use of VOR's.


If you have a VFR GPS why bother with a course between two VORs?