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Fly Heading vs Turn to Heading Cleared to Waypoint

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FAA Regulations, General Aviation, Private Pilot

I understand ATC direction to fly a heading. However, when told to turn to a heading and cleared to a waypoint how is this different? Does the turn just give you a general direction and then you are free to alter your heading direct to the waypoint or must you fly the heading until ATC alters it even if it's not taking you to the waypoint?

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1 Answers



  1. John D Collins on Sep 29, 2016

    Assume you are navigating to CONEL intersection, I believe proper phraseology would be something like “Turn right heading 320, cleared direct CONEL.” If they wanted you to remain on a heading, they would just specify the heading and if the purpose of the vector was to get you to CONEL, they would say something like: “Turn right heading 320, vectors to CONEL” or “expect Direct CONEL”. Turn to heading 320, cleared to CONEL is not standard phraseology. Who is responsible for navigation must be absolutely clear. It is either the pilot or ATC. If not, you are required to seek clarification by 91.123.

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