Choosing TEC routes

[kleistad]

Hi,

I did my I-8 rating last week, and got a question after that.
As I planned my flight on myflightroute.com I found only one suitable TEC-route for me. CSTN56(PQ) since KSAN was operating west.
Since I was pretty sure you always get your filed TEC-route I planned everything in detail(I know, bad habit).
Instead I got CSTN54(J). Since it came from the ATC i complied(After first telling him that it was the CSTN56(PQ) I were supposed to fly) and everything went great. Although a bit unprepared when it came to the route, and I had chosen to fly with an aircraft I dont normally use.

So, to my questions. Are the aircraft-type on the different TEC-routes only "guidance" and in reality ATC can give you anyone of them? And can you file a TEC for a different type of aircraft than you use?

It might be that Keith covered this in the TEC-workshop, but I can´t remember.

[barcman1967]

I wouldn't call them "guidance" but.... ATC can clear you for any and all deviations - including wongway altitudes.

[Peter Grey]

Hello,

You did this flight in a Kingair BE9L which is a M aircraft (it's a turboprop). Therefore the CSTN54 route is correct (as it applies to J and M aircraft). PQ aircraft are those that either piston powered, or turboprop powered but don't exceed 190 knots.

While from the pilot point of view ATC would be allowed to give a "wrong TEC route" from the ATC point of view we are not allowed to do so.

[Keith Smith]

To use the TEC route system correctly, it's vital to know the correct aircraft classification for the type of plane you're flying. Once you do, you'll encounter very few surprises in the TEC route system.

[kleistad]

Thanks Peter and Keith for the clarification!