Section 9. VR Route Use

1. SCHEDULING

1. Each VR route must have a designated military unit responsible for scheduling all military flights intending to use the VR route. If the designated military unit does not have a continuous point of contact; i.e., a unit subject to deployment or a unit not available during normal work days (ANG unit working Wednesday-Sunday), then an alternate scheduling agency must be designated. All flights on the VR route will be scheduled through the primary or alternate scheduling agency.
2. The scheduling activity must confirm on a daily basis (to the extent practicable, prior to 2400 hours) with the tie-in FSS of the planned utilization of the route. Unless otherwise agreed, such scheduling must be accomplished at least 2 hours prior to use. Scheduling agencies must provide an hourly schedule for each route which includes route number, aircraft type and number, proposed entry/exit time, and altitude. Scheduling agencies should make every effort to pass changes as soon as possible to the tie-in FSS when a particular route is closed or a scheduled aircraft cancels.

1. COMPLIANCE

It is the responsibility of the scheduling activity to ensure that all VR users are knowledgeable of the respective route procedures. Individual users are responsible for compliance.

1. TIE−IN FLIGHT SERVICE STATION

The FSS handling the flight planning function for the military base where the scheduling unit is located is normally the tie-in FSS in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.10, Flight Services. Tie-in FSSs must be on the center distribution list to receive copies of, and changes to, all letters of agreement concerning VRs for which they have been designated as the tie-in FSS.

1. MONITOR 255.4 MHZ

Pilots should monitor 255.4 MHz while on VRs when it is not detrimental to the mission accomplishment. This does not preclude the use of tactical or discrete frequencies.

1. FLIGHT PLAN REQUIREMENTS

1. Pilots departing on IFR clearances to fly VRs are required to file to the fix/radial/distance of their entry/alternate entry point of the route.
2. Pilots transitioning to IFR upon exiting the VR are required to have on file a previously filed IFR flight plan from the appropriate fix/radial/ distance of their exit point.

1. ROUTE ADHERENCE

Pilots of flights on VRs must be responsible for remaining within the lateral and vertical confines of the route.

1. SPEED AUTHORIZATION

Flights must be conducted at the minimum speed compatible with mission requirements. When exiting an MTR below 10,000 feet MSL, the flight must comply with 14 CFR section 91.117 (aircraft speed) or current authorization issued to DoD. (See Appendix 4, Speed Authorization Granted to DOD).

1. WEATHER MINIMUMS

Operations on the route must be conducted only when the weather is at or above VFR minima, except that:

1. Flight visibility must be 5 miles or more; and
2. Flights must not be conducted below a ceiling of less than 3,000 feet AGL.

1. TRANSPONDER PROCEDURES

Pilots of aircraft operating on a VR route will adjust their transponder to code 4000 unless otherwise assigned by ATC.