"Direct to ..."

[skiandsurf]

Question for ATC guys...

Situation....Flying from Point A to Point B (LAX-GEG). We ask for a straighter flight (Direct Pendelton then Spokane). ATC clears us Direct Spokane. Does this mean the VOR (GEG) or the Airport (KGEG)?

 

[GravityHater]

I always ask, and invariably if its my destination we are talking about, the fix is the airport - not the vor.
If it is an enroute section, its the vor.
They are trying to phase out those paired names to avoid such confusion but haven't quite finished yet.

 

[Seadogrun]

Generally it's the fix in your flight plan. You may have both in the flight plan and in that case you should verify. Also if it happens you could read back "cleared direct destination" and if that's not what ATC wanted they should clarify it.

Long story short is ATC won't mind if you ask.

 

[say again]

I always head to the airport, and havent been corrected.

 

[skiandsurf]

FMS flight plan show...

KLAX
SAC
PDL
GEG
KGEG


"Cleared direct Spokane"....I would select "GEG".


Now I have seen guys do this too...

Flying to "XYZ airport". "Cleared direct destination" ....then guys will put build a 5 mile final fix, and go to that point....not destination.

Since no controllers have answered, but you pilots are experts, what do you think....

Direct Spokane means direct GEG or KGEG? (me thinks the VOR).

Cleared to destination....ok to go to a 5 mile fix instead of destination? (me thinks the destination).

( after being a captain for the past 15 yrs, I am now an FO, and seeing some different ways of doing things).

 

[say again]

I believe that they mean the VOR.

 

[satpak77]

it is direct to the VOR unless clarified as "direct the field"

 

[say again]

Liking the avatar satpak. I'll give the back view.

 

[satpak77]

Liking the avatar satpak. I'll give the back view.

Dude I like the back view !

YES

 

[Stifler's Mom]

Here's a similar thread for you.

http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=102260