8 Shortcuts Every Pilot Wants

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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6) Cleared For Takeoff On-Course

Tired of flying runway heading forever? Getting cleared on course right away speeds things up significantly.

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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.

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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.

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What's another shortcut you love to get? Tell us in the comments below!

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