HouTxPilot82
Pre-takeoff checklist
- Joined
- Nov 6, 2014
- Messages
- 286
- Display Name
Display name:
HouTxPilot82
I've been wanting to take a short flight from Sugar Land (KSGR) over to Galveston (KGLS). I'd like to use VFR flight following. I'm familiar with requesting this on the ground before I start my taxi (my preferred method), and also once I'm airborne.
The direct route between these points is 47NM as shown in this image from SkyVector:
. As you can see, I'd have to either stay under the Bravo shelf , or get cleared into it to avoid the obstacles along that route - I've heard on flight following it's no issue to get cleared on that route.
There's an indirect route I'd like to take as shown in this image:
. I prefer this one for a couple of reasons:
1. The distance gets up to 59NM so I can log it as a XC flight.
2. It would be more scenic to fly along the coast until I reach the airport.
3. Get out from under Bravo a little quicker and not as many obstructions in the way.
I've read that when you get VFR flight following you don't necessarily have to fly a straight line to the destination but my desired route deviates enough that I think I should give ATC an idea of how I plan to get to my destination. What's the proper way to communicate this route to ATC? I'm not flying directly over any VFR waypoint or other airport at the spot where I plan to change my heading direct towards the airport. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
The direct route between these points is 47NM as shown in this image from SkyVector:
There's an indirect route I'd like to take as shown in this image:
1. The distance gets up to 59NM so I can log it as a XC flight.
2. It would be more scenic to fly along the coast until I reach the airport.
3. Get out from under Bravo a little quicker and not as many obstructions in the way.
I've read that when you get VFR flight following you don't necessarily have to fly a straight line to the destination but my desired route deviates enough that I think I should give ATC an idea of how I plan to get to my destination. What's the proper way to communicate this route to ATC? I'm not flying directly over any VFR waypoint or other airport at the spot where I plan to change my heading direct towards the airport. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
Last edited: