LAX SFRA vs mini routes

[twharrell]

Came across this great 3-part video of a Cessna 172 flight from KVNY to KCRQ. This pilot uses the LAX SFRA, which I'm sure was mentioned on one of the training videos but cannot remember exactly. My question is what would be the reason to use the SFRA vs using one of the mini routes to transition Class B airspace? Are there any pros or cons to use one over the other?

Cheers,

Todd

Part 1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2w7XII4LJ0

[Peter Grey]

The main reason one would use the SFRA vs the miniroute is that you don't need to talk to ATC to use the SFRA.

On the other hand the miniroute is less restrictive on which aircraft can use it so in some cases that's the only option.

[twharrell]

So, you don't need permission from ATC to transition the Class B when using the SFRA?

[Peter Grey]

Correct, the SFRA does not require an ATC clearance, hence the name "Special Flight Rules Area".

[wmburns]

Check out the LAX Terminal Area chart on Skyvector.

http://skyvector.com/?ll=33.60238457740 ... =A.K2.KLAX

Note that some of the requirements listed are:

• To have a current LAX TAC chart on board
• Squawk 1201. This lets ATC know your intentions.
• Speed limited to 140 Knots
• no tubojet aircraft

Note the part about announcing your intentions on 128.55. Think of this like a CTAF announcements at the VFR check points (see the flags on the chart).

Here's some more information.

http://www.flightsimaviation.com/data/F ... 51(1).html
http://www.aopa.org/Advocacy/Air-Traffi ... ion-Routes
http://www.planeandpilotmag.com/profici ... RGBL-bF9qM
http://mickwest.com/flying_lessons/lesson029.htm

[jtek]

The main reason one would use the SFRA vs the miniroute is that you don't need to talk to ATC to use the SFRA.

Funny, that's the main reason I avoid it...

[jtek]

Interestingly, for the past few months (yes, MONTHS) the SMO VOR was out of service IRL. During that time, the mini route was shut down, but the SFRA was still available. They're both based on radials off SMO, so I'm not sure why one was allowed while the other was off-limits. And the mini-route is easier to fly with a GPS than the SFRA, because the mini route has convenient fixes that can be entered into a flight plan, whereas the SFRA requires the use of OBS mode. So why shut down the mini-route?!