Should I avoid victor airways when VFR?

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uncertifiedpilot
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Should I avoid victor airways when VFR?

Post by uncertifiedpilot »

Fellow aviators,

What significant advantage does flying 'victor airways' provide over flying outside of these when flying VFR? To me, it seems, V-airways are airspace one would rather stay clear of to avoid bumping into other traffic (in PE, victor airways are usually crowded with traffic). What use do victor airways have for VFR pilots?

Tim
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Keith Smith
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Re: Should I avoid victor airways when VFR?

Post by Keith Smith »

Victor airways comprise the low enroute structure for IFR flying. They are not really there for the benefit of VFR pilots. I can't think of any advantages of using them as a VFR pilot.
Kyle.Sanders
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Re: Should I avoid victor airways when VFR?

Post by Kyle.Sanders »

I can think of one advantage... but it's a stretch...
If you are VFR, flying a victor airway... you come into IMC and need to transition to IFR, you already have a course and altitude to fly via victor airway info (MEA, NAVAID, DME, etc...)

But a stretch still... ATC is going to give you a course and altitude to fly (especially if above their MVA) in the event you need to go IFR... but letting them know you already have the victor airway established could allow them to have you stay there until you two come up with a plan.
Kyle Sanders
uncertifiedpilot
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Re: Should I avoid victor airways when VFR?

Post by uncertifiedpilot »

Thank you, guys :-)
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