Quick Flight Planning Question

[jpoe]

I am planning a flight for my checkride (just planning, we won't actually take it). Between my point of departure and destination, there is a large MOA area.

Now, I know that I am allowed to cross the MOA as a VFR flight as long as I use caution; however is it acceptable to plan my flight around the MOA (non-direct)? If it were real life, I believe this is how I would do it because the ground references are much better if I go around it (as well as some additional VORs that can be used, plus I can basically run parallel the coast most of the way). All in, this adds about 15 nm extra to a 130 nm trip.

Is it acceptable for me to plan my trip non-direct?

Thanks for any suggestions,


Ps. Unfortunately my CFI is out of town so I am unable to get his recommendation,

[killbilly]

Originally Posted by jpoe

I am planning a flight for my checkride (just planning, we won't actually take it). Between my point of departure and destination, there is a large MOA area.

Now, I know that I am allowed to cross the MOA as a VFR flight as long as I use caution; however is it acceptable to plan my flight around the MOA (non-direct)? If it were real life, I believe this is how I would do it because the ground references are much better if I go around it (as well as some additional VORs that can be used, plus I can basically run parallel the coast most of the way). All in, this adds about 15 nm extra to a 130 nm trip.

Is it acceptable for me to plan my trip non-direct?

Thanks for any suggestions,


Ps. Unfortunately my CFI is out of town so I am unable to get his recommendation,

I had a similar issue on planning mine for getting around a lower shelf of Class B that I could have flown under. The DPE asked me why I planned it the way I did, and I told the truth: I was pretty inexperienced, and wanted to give myself a higher ceiling margin under the Class B. I told her that I understood that I could go the more direct route, but for comfort with the flight and navigation, I felt better this way. I had adequate fuel for the deviation anyway.

She seemed satisfied with that. Maybe you could ask one of the other CFIs your CFI works with and see what they think.

[unclenobby]

You are the PIC - if the DPE asks why not go direct and you give a rational answer then it should not be a problem (like the above example).
Good luck with the checkride.

[JulietBravo]

Originally Posted by unclenobby

You are the PIC - if the DPE asks why not go direct and you give a rational answer then it should not be a problem (like the above example).
Good luck with the checkride.

If he asks you why you didn't go direct, just tell him/her the truth. "I felt more comfortable going around the MOA rather than through it" Your the PIC and you can do whatever you want (within reason of course!). If you make a decision and the DPE asks you why, skip the BS and just tell them why you did it. Don't freeze up and try to think of an excuse, have one already... as you should have one for making that decision.

[tobaknight]

As long as you can show that you understand the rules regarding the airspace, and have made a sound and safe decision based on all the resources available to you, I don't see why a DPE would have a problem with any routing you chose.

[sdfcvoh]

Originally Posted by jpoe

If it were real life, I believe this is how I would do it....

You should give yourself a pat on the back for making this decision (and your CFI for helping train you in this way.)

Your DPE will probably be impressed that you are thinking ahead in such a fashion. As was mentioned before, you are the PIC. The DPE's job is to figure out whether or not you are a safe PIC.

I think you're making a good decision. Is it safe to fly through a MOA? Sure, but there is some risk involved. You are doing exactly what we as pilots are supposed to do... minimize risk.