Pilots love taking shortcuts. How many of these have you gotten?
1) Vectors To The Final Approach Fix
There's nothing worse than flying a 30 mile downwind once you've passed your destination. ATC giving you vectors right to the final approach fix is always a good feeling.
2) "Right And Left" Deviations Approved
When you're picking your way around thunderstorms and buildups, getting a broad "right or left deviations approved" call from ATC takes away a lot of stress. You no longer have to limit yourself to a degree increment on either side of your flight path and can find the best way around conflicting weather.
3) Delete The Speed Restrictions
Arrival procedures can slow you down hundreds of miles from your destination. Deleting speed restrictions will let you fly fast.
4) Descend And Maintain vs. Descend Via
If you have multiple crossing restrictions ahead and ATC gives you just one altitude to descend to, that lightens your workload immensely.
5) Alternate Missed Approach - Runway Heading
Flying a long, complex missed approach procedure isn't ever ideal. See if you can get an alternate missed approach approved for runway heading with a simple altitude assignment.
6) Cleared For Takeoff On-Course
Tired of flying runway heading forever? Getting cleared on course right away speeds things up significantly.
7) Cleared Direct To Your Destination
If you're flying to a destination late at night, you might get lucky with a "direct to your destination" clearance.
8) Climb And Maintain XXX (Your Final Altitude)
How many times have you found yourself climbing in 1,000-foot increments all the way to cruising altitude. It's pretty nice when you get your final altitude right off the bat.
What's another shortcut you love to get? Tell us in the comments below!
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