VFR Departure Heading

[MAltadonna]

When on an assigned VFR departure heading out of a Class Charlie, is the rule to remain on that heading until told otherwise, or are you ok to turn after you exit the airspace without ATC intervention? Had two cases out of KSNA to KONT. First time on a heading of 080, once cleared the 44/SFC, still didn't hear anything, made my turn, no problems, "contact departure", and off I went. Second time, on my V-2, heading 330, maybe out of shear fear that Mickey Mouse had F-15's waiting, I made a quick turn after the 44/SFC and slid between the airspace and TFR. This time I wasn't so lucky, "failed the V-2". I would imagine opening my mouth and asking ATC at that time, what to do, would have been the smart thing, but you know how that goes! Sorry in advance if this question has been posted a ca-billion times...I'm not a good searcher.

BTW. This is not a complaint...Lovin' the PilotEdge and learning a lot!!!

[Mark Hargrove]

If you are under positive control from ATC and have been given a heading to fly and/or an altitude to maintain, you're expected to fly that heading and maintain that altitude until ATC releases you to your own navigation. That said: (1) your safety takes precedence over an ATC instruction -- you're not expected to fly into a mountain just because you haven't heard from ATC lately; and (2) there is nothing wrong with giving ATC a call to ask them if you should remain on a particular assigned heading, especially if you're not comfortable with where it's taking you. I"ve done this more than once when I was VFR out of KSNA and the frequency was busy. A simple, "SoCal departure Cessna 123AB, clear of the Charlie, can I expect release for own navigation soon?" is a reasonably gentle version of "hey, did you forget about me?"

When you're under positive control, btw, crossing through the Disneyland TFR isn't a violation (if I remember an earlier thread correctly).

-M.

[Marcus Becker]

I looked up the TFR on the FAA's website.

Operating Restrictions and Requirements

No pilots may operate an aircraft in the areas covered by this NOTAM (except as described).

THE RESTRICTIONS DO NOT APPLY TO; THOSE AIRCRAFT AUTHORIZED BY AND IN CONTACT WITH ATC FOR OPERATIONAL OR SAFETY OF FLIGHT PURPOSES, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND AIR AMBULANCE FLIGHT OPERATIONS.

Therefore, as long as you are talking to ATC, fly your assigned until you are told otherwise.

[MAltadonna]

Thanks guys!

[Ryan B]

I looked up the TFR on the FAA's website.

Operating Restrictions and Requirements

No pilots may operate an aircraft in the areas covered by this NOTAM (except as described).

THE RESTRICTIONS DO NOT APPLY TO; THOSE AIRCRAFT AUTHORIZED BY AND IN CONTACT WITH ATC FOR OPERATIONAL OR SAFETY OF FLIGHT PURPOSES, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND AIR AMBULANCE FLIGHT OPERATIONS.

Therefore, as long as you are talking to ATC, fly your assigned until you are told otherwise.

I've never known ATC to send someone (other than those listed above) through a TFR.... if you're heading towards a TFR you need to tell them you want to turn (because if it's actually a TFR you can't fly through it).

[FrigginGuy]

Does PE account for the Disneyland TFR, or other TFRs for that matter? There were several around ZLA the last day or two for Vice POTUS movement. I flew through those areas and never heard the first mention of them on the network. Was I just being cleared through them behind the scenes?

[Keith Smith]

When we first launched, we considered supporting TFRs and NOTAMs but the market generally wasn't in favor. It doesn't add a lot of value considering the work involved in supporting them. Most people don't brief a sim flight the same way they brief a real flight (and we're not trying to change that), so long term, I don't see us supporting TFRs.

[FrigginGuy]

Keith: Roger. I agree that it doesn't make sense to support them, just wanted to make sure that was the policy. Not to mention that they'd be death traps for n00bs to just get yelled at by ATC.