GPS Question

Dazzler

Dazzler

Well-Known Member
If I want to fly from A-B direct, using a handheld GPS authorised for VFR navigation only, could I file IFR and still use it for navigation if the weather along the entire route is VMC ?
 
You could legally go in IMC as long as the GPS was only for situational awareness and you were "navigating" with VOR's or some other approved system.
 
you cant file /g whether or not its vmc. If you file /g you may get direct to a fix that isnt in that database, or you might get a gps approach. if you file /a or /u you can use radio nav aids and use the gps to make life a whole lot easier.
 
I don't think that's what he's asking. No, you can't fly direct in IMC with only a handheld GPS. You MIGHT be able to fly under IFR--I'm thinking VFR-on-top here--with one. You can't file as /G without an IFR approved installation and a current database.

But the pertinent question is WHY? You sure don't want to risk an off-airway encounter with IMC with only a handheld GPS receiver. Did I mention the time when I got so much interference from the engine and/or instrument panel that my Garmin handheld couldn't receive a single satellite? I run an external antenna to the back window now for that reason, but the point is, they can fail on you with no warning.
 
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or you might get a gps approach.

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Flying /G doesn't necessarily mean that you have approach capability. It just means that you have IFR en route, and terminal capability. If you file /G, you won't "get" a GPS approach without ATC first verifying your ability to conduct it.
 
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but the point is, they can fail on you with no warning.

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True, but I've had more VOR recievers fail me than anything else.

You can legally fly in IMC while navigating with your handheld GPS for "situational awareness." Realisticly it'll be more accurate than your VOR recievers, though.

And don't think you won't get direct even when you file /U or /A. I got it once and when I said I was unable direct and I filed for a no area nav. flight plan I was sent to down to the min. vectoring altitude for the area for the rest of my trip him as a slap on the wrist for not taking the direct vector. Bumpy day over the corn fields.

Cheers


John Herreshoff
 
Plus, if you "get" a GPS approach and other approaches to the airport exist (even visual approaches if weather permits), you could decline the GPS approach. If that's the ONLY approach into the airport, you run even the slightest chance of IMC, and all you have is a handheld, VFR GPS, I think I'd either go another day or find another airport to land at.
 
I've heard of people doing a work-around, saying something like "Center, I'm showing heading 305 direct to destination, request vector". "Cessna 12345, fly heading 305, direct destination when able".

I suppose it's technically legal to fly vectors given by ATC, at least while under radar coverage, but it's probably not a smart habit to get into. When in VMC day conditions it really isn't a big deal in my book, but IMC's another matter entirely.

To be honest, I just don't see the advantage. I've done hundreds of flight plans on the computer, and following airways very seldom adds more than a few minutes to the total flight. And isn't the idea to get more hours, not less?
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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I was sent to down to the min. vectoring altitude for the area for the rest of my trip him as a slap on the wrist for not taking the direct vector. Bumpy day over the corn fields.

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If it gets too bumpy (here in Florida? No!), I'll ask for higher if I can. Most of the time, I'm under or in the Class B for MCO, so it's tough to get it. If I'm flying x/c, I'll bug them till I get it. They're sitting in a nice, dark, air conditioned room. I'm the one about to puke from turbulence and sweating my b@lls off. Not sure if it's the ADF or the NDB, but HERNY is notorious for failing on me. I'm sure it's still transmitting, just not powerful enough for me to pick it up. Luckily, the ADF in the Seneca I fly is INOP. Guess which one I'm taking on the checkride. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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I've done hundreds of flight plans on the computer, and following airways very seldom adds more than a few minutes to the total flight. And isn't the idea to get more hours, not less?
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

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After you've flown a few 400 and 600 mile trips in 172's, those little segments can make the difference... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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