This is so true.
Today, I attempted to file through a flight planner. It wouldn't accept the routing. So, I called flight service. His system would not accept it, either.
The routing was departing KAUS, intercept the R-222 radial for V-17 off CWK then direct BETTI. Intercept the R-105 STV for BETTI then fly direct STV via V-222. Then, outbound STV on R-345 for V-568 direct to LLO. Afterward, outbound to KAQO. All of this can be seen on the L-19 Low Altitude Enroute Chart. Access it
here then click on the "L-19" button at the top right corner of the chart.
According to the FSS briefer, the only option the system would accept was depart KAUS, fly direct to CWK (North of KAUS) then outbound to BETTI during which we would pass by KAUS to the west. Also, I remarked "Student XC. No DPs, No STARS."
When I called for a clearance, I specifically requested a clearance as filed. But, the system automatically plugged in the
Austin Two Departure which is what the clearance controller saw. So, I was given that departure with a Llano transition. This would completely bypass the intended training route. The controller said my only option was fly to AMUSE and then to Llano.
Just prior to departure, I called clearance again asking if we could modify. He started mentioning the presidential TFR near Temple. I was more than confused as we were going nowhere near Temple. I pretty much gave up in hopes of getting something changed when handed off to center. He did say we could ask for a specific radial with DME. I'm wondering, how is that better than specifying a very specific fix in the system?
After getting handed off to departure, I asked him if we could get direct BETTI, Stonewall then Llano. He said Stonewall was not on my routing. I responded that it was originally but had been removed by the "automated" system. Apparently the other note of "Student XC" had also been ignored by the system. The controller ask me if this was IFR training. "Affirmative."
He said, "Let me see what I can do." A minute later, he came back with "Fly heading 220, direct BETTI, direct Stonewall, direct Llano, direct Llano airport." My reply: "Awesome, thank you very much!" He told me the problem was the system would not recognize "BETTI."
Another instructor later told me I might try GARDS which is not on a victor airway but it should go through on a flight plan. The question remains, will it always give me a DP regardless of my remark of "No DP"?
There has to be an easier way to plan a student XC while on an active IFR flight plan.