VFR TEC Routes

[ceranes]

Is there a rule or regulation on pilots flying TEC routes while flying VFR? Some days it's easier and quicker to program your GPS with the routing, jump in, and go. I know I would still have to be aware of the airspace boundaries, and make sure not to enter without a clearance. As far as altitudes go, if it were 6,000 for a Non-jet with a 190kt or less speed, couldn't I make it 6,500 VFR?

Now that I think about it...is flying direct frowned upon, whether IFR or VFR? Terrain would be more of an issue in Southern California, then it is in Southern Michigan, where everyone files direct.

Chris

[Pieces]

As you noted, awareness of airspace is essential because there are regulations governing what is allowed in a given. There isn't, however, any regulation that states what routes must be flown when VFR. Therefore, you can fly whatever route you want (including following a TEC route) while following the other regulations governing VFR flight (cruising altitudes, ATC communication requirements, etc).

Flying direct isn't frowned upon, it just isn't possible in many cases because of traffic flows, terrain, restricted areas, nav reception, etc. I fly out of central Indiana - I've not filed anything but direct. There isn't much terrain nor are there many high traffic areas to avoid so direct works just fine.

[Keith Smith]

The TEC routes are for IFR traffic flows. Many of them will take you through Bravo airspace. Since there are already published Bravo transitions, you'll likely be assigned one of those, which would limit your ability to fly the TEC route exactly as published. Outside of the Bravo, Charlie and Delta airspace, though, the route you take on a VFR flight is up to you. You can mimic a TEC route, go direct, follow roads, whatever you like.