A captain and I were having a debate earlier about basic IFR regulations, particularly 91.181 - course to be flown. We were debating whether or not you can legally fly between two VOR's, which are not part of a published airway if the VOR service volumes overlap, but do not encompass both VOR's.
I made the point that each VOR on a low altitude chart has a compass rose and you could easily measure a radial outbound from one VOR and inbound on the next - just like an airway. The captain was adamant that this was not legal, and was just an educated guess. He stated that this would not provide "positive course guidance" or something similar. He claimed that you cannot be sure you are actually on course unless it is a radial published on a chart. In my opinion, you would be legal and safe to navigate outbound on one VOR before intercepting a radial inbound to another.
Has anyone else thought about this? Keep in mind, this would be for a non GPS aircraft.
Here is 91.181:
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft within controlled airspace under IFR except as follows:
(a) On an ATS route, along the centerline of that airway.
(b) On any other route, along the direct course between the navigational aids or fixes defining that route. However, this section does not prohibit maneuvering the aircraft to pass well clear of other air traffic or the maneuvering of the aircraft in VFR conditions to clear the intended flight path both before and during climb or descent.
I made the point that each VOR on a low altitude chart has a compass rose and you could easily measure a radial outbound from one VOR and inbound on the next - just like an airway. The captain was adamant that this was not legal, and was just an educated guess. He stated that this would not provide "positive course guidance" or something similar. He claimed that you cannot be sure you are actually on course unless it is a radial published on a chart. In my opinion, you would be legal and safe to navigate outbound on one VOR before intercepting a radial inbound to another.
Has anyone else thought about this? Keep in mind, this would be for a non GPS aircraft.
Here is 91.181:
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft within controlled airspace under IFR except as follows:
(a) On an ATS route, along the centerline of that airway.
(b) On any other route, along the direct course between the navigational aids or fixes defining that route. However, this section does not prohibit maneuvering the aircraft to pass well clear of other air traffic or the maneuvering of the aircraft in VFR conditions to clear the intended flight path both before and during climb or descent.