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From: "Ron Galbraith" <cfi@instructor.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] More IFR/GPS

>  You do have an option to=20
> ask ATC for a clearance that might read, =93fly heading abc until=20
> receiving the xyz VOR, then proceed direct=94.=20=20

This service is called radar vectors.  If you want this service, just say "=
request radar vectors direct LAX". You can get this service VFR or IFR, so =
don't be afraid to ask for it.=20=20

>=20
> There were a number of references to AC20-138A as the rules for all=20
> aircraft with GNSS.  I learned that Advisory Circulars are not=20
> rules, they are advice.  They do not govern what you need to do to=20
> fly IFR.=20=20

  This is very true in that advisory circulars are not suppose to be regula=
tory in nature, but the FAA views many of them to be regulatory, and treats=
 them as requirements.  From what I've seen with several FSDO's, AC20-138A =
is not just a guide, but in fact mandatory for ALL aircraft.  Just because =
we fly an airplane with "experimental" stenciled on the door, we must still=
 comply with all the FAR's that a standard certified airplane has to while =
flying in the IFR environment, and in order to legally fly an IFR GPS appro=
ach, you must be in compliance with AC20-138A. (local FSDO's words)=20=20
  Yes, this is all a very grey area(for experimental airplanes), and we cou=
ld all debate technicalities all day, but personally I like to look at it f=
rom a safety perspective.  This AC was written to give guidance for install=
ations of GNSS equipment, and making the installations standard, or at leas=
t standard in a basic way such as required annuciators, course deviation in=
dicators, flight and grounds checks, etc.  We as experimental airplane buil=
ders should voluntarily comply with these rules even if they aren't require=
d; to make our airplanes safer anyway.  I ask this question?   What if you =
are flying your $400,000 fully insured LNC4 on a GPS approach and you total=
 the airplane without killing yourself.  If your airplane is not found to b=
e in compliance with AC20-138A, is the insurance going to pay?  Maybe, but =
why even go there when it's so easy to follow the AC guidelines.=20=20
  I'm really not trying to stir up a hornets nest, or dispute anything that=
 has been said before.  The big difference here is that we are talking abou=
t the IFR environment, and safety is what this is all about.  As far as VFR=
 goes, having a Garmin GPS396 is hard to beat, and you certainly don't need=
 any sort of guidelines to follow.=20=20

I'm in the process of writing an article that simplifies the process to com=
ply with AC20-138A (written for the certified world), and will make it avai=
lable to anyone who wants it at a later date.=20=20

Ron Galbraith
LNCE-N5ES