Published VFR routes & checkpoints
| Published VFR route | Published VFR checkpoint | |
|---|---|---|
| What | Recommended path to enter, exit, or transit busy airspace | Geographical reference point with a pronounceable name |
| Purpose | Integrates VFR traffic with other operations there, including IFR flights and approaches | Position reporting |
| Name | - | Normally the landmark it sits over |
| Placement | - | Stands alone or sits along a route |
| Identifier | - | Five letters starting "VC" (e.g. VCXYZ); GNSS-equipped aircraft with up-to-date database can navigate straight to it |
Where to find routes and checkpoints:
- VTPC: VFR Terminal Procedures Chart, in the CFS.
- VTA chart.
- Legend shows symbols for helicopter routes, fixed-wing routes, and checkpoints.
Mountain regions (TP 1102):
- Route choice: may be wise to consider a recommended VFR route, e.g. in mountainous regions.
- Western mountainous region: VFR routes may be marked with diamonds on the VNC.
- Diamond is a pre-flight planning convenience only:
- Implies no special level of facilities or services along the route.
- Does not excuse proper pre-flight planning or good airmanship.
- Unmarked alternative routes always exist.
- Route choice is solely the pilot-in-command's responsibility.
Trap: treating a diamond-marked or published route as safer or mandatory; it is a planning aid, not a service guarantee or requirement. Likewise, the pronounceable checkpoint name is not its identifier.
References
- TC AIM RAC 4.7
- TC AIM AIR 2.13
- TP 1102 Pilot Navigation, Choosing the Route