BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005 151
Volume 3 General Flight Rules.
8.3.17. Off Airways (Direct). There are several methods pilots can use to fly off of the
airway system, otherwise known as "direct" flight.
8.3.17.1. NAVAID to NAVAID. Aircraft may file along a direct course between
NAVAIDs as long as the aircraft does not exceed the limitations of the NAVAIDs
being used to define the course. For example, an "L" class VORTAC is only usable
below 18,000 feet MSL and within 40 nautical miles of the station. NAVAID
limitations can be found in the front of the FLIP IFR Supplement.
8.3.17.2. Degree-Distance Route Definition for Military Operations. Degreedistance
route definition is a military-only privilege that allows certain aircraft to
exceed the NAVAID limitations imposed by NAVAID to NAVAID filing
restrictions. The specific procedures for filing and using degree-distance route
definition are published in FAAH 7110.65, Air Traffic Control. The use of degreedistance
criteria is limited to aircraft performing specialized military missions.
8.3.17.3. Random RNAV Routes. Random RNAV routes are direct routes flown
between any two points, based on aircraft onboard RNAV capability and defined in
terms of latitude/longitude coordinates, degree-distance fixes, or offsets from
established routes/airways at a specified distance and direction. Radar monitoring by
ATC is required on all random RNAV routes within the National Airspace System.
Factors ATC will consider in approving random RNAV routes include the capability
to provide radar monitoring and compatibility with traffic volume and flow. ATC
will radar monitor each flight; however, navigation on the random RNAV route is the
responsibility of the pilot.
8.3.17.4. National Route Program (NRP). An FAA program designed to make air
travel easier and more cost efficient by taking advantage of emerging technologies.
Aircraft flying under the NRP will fly normal departure and arrival routes within 200
nautical miles of the departure and destination airports and direct routes of their
choice in between. The equipment required to participate in the NRP is the same as
the equipment required for RNAV. The NRP may eventually allow “free flight”
route operations throughout the continental U.S. at FL 290 and above. Specific
procedures and restrictions can be found in FLIP General Planning.
8.3.17.5. Navigation Reference System. The Navigation Reference System (NRS) is
a system of waypoints developed for use within the United States for flight planning
and navigation without reference to ground based navigation aids. The waypoints are
located in a grid pattern along defined latitude and longitude lines. The initial use of
the NRS will be in the high altitude environment in conjunction with the High
Altitude Redesign initiative. The waypoints are intended for use by aircraft capable
of point-to-point navigation. The naming convention for NRS waypoints is defined by
a five-character sequence which reference the ICAO FIR, airspace subsets of the FIR
and coding for increments of latitude and longitude.
8.4. Planning for En Route. Preflight planning of the en route portion should be adequate
to ensure a safe and efficient flight. As a minimum, aircrews should review:
8.4.1. Route. The intended route of flight (to include preferred routing located in AP/1)