[FlyEDouglas]

PS. Just tell them what you're doing. Never fails. For instance, I'm from the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area where I learned to fly. Anytime I wanted to fly up the eastern shore (say, to Ackomack or Tangier Island, or to go up to NJ to visit family) I certainly didn't want to take a single-engine piston airplane over the Chesapeake Bay with no option other than flotation devices. So whenever I called up Norfolk approach for either flight following (before I got my instrument) or for IFR clearance, I would request to "fly the bay bridge tunnel" to the eastern shore and then on course. They've never denied it. I like to always leave myself an OUT and I think they understand that. Plus if I did ever lose my engine over the bay it would be a kick-ass news story if I put it down safely on the (I believe...) second longest bridge in the world.

Moral of the story, if you can't think of a Correct way to phrase it, just put it in words. Controllers speak english too. : )


Happy flying!