Flight from KLVK to KSFO

[tgbn45]

So take this flight (I'll put the skyvector link at the bottom). I want to know if this is an acceptable VFR flight plan. I was going to cruise at 2000, and use the SFO VOR to line up with the runway.






http://skyvector.com/?ll=37.60527444405 ... :A.K2.KSFO

[Keith Smith]

I'd urge you to use an airport other than SFO. You won't receive any service at LVK (it's not in the coverage area), and it's unclear where you'll start receiving service for SFO, because our SFO service was added primarily for the use of IFR traffic to/from the ZLA area (the primary coverage area).

If you're VFR, you should be lining up with the runway visually, and use other visual references prior to the airport, but you could back it up with a VOR in a pinch.

I also wouldn't feel too confident about any particular arrival route into a Bravo field unless you have local experience there. What you might get on the day could be very different to what you might expect. For example, for a GA single engine piston that tops out at 120kts, you can forget getting a long straight in at most Bravos unless there's a dedicated GA runway.

[Brian Z]

I will let Keith speak to the coverage, but I agree with Kieth that you should be lining up visually and use radio nav for situational awareness. However, why use the VOR? Why not the localizer for your assigned runway? Just because you are VFR does not mean you cannot use all available resources available to you. If you do not have the plate you can ask ATC for the frequency.

Brian

[Keith Smith]

Brian,

I had no idea what a localizer was during my VFR training, no idea about its increased sensitivity, no idea about the narrow course width, no idea that it only transmits a single bearing (ie, the OBS does nothing). VFR pilots are required to understand VORs, that's about it.