Huh. I had no idea airliners could fly VFR no flight plan. Could a 747 or 737 do it, and if so, what kinds of trips...are the limited to a certain distance or something?
Nah, you just file IFR but Direct instead of waypoints. ATC will vector them. If it’s IFR conditions, ATC vectors them onto a final approach path. If VFR, ATC gets them near the airport and the crew lets them know when it’s in sight.
Planning-wise, filing direct is just as valid as any other means. ATC may change it, but they akways have that right.
“Huh. I had no idea airliners could fly VFR no flight plan. Could a 747 or 737 do it, and if so, what kinds of trips...are the limited to a certain distance or something?”
Generally only done for maintenance or reposition of aircraft. I have flown around Atlanta on a VFR only flight, and it was an airliner, not a private plane. (It was a test flight, and we had to return after losing one of our 2 engines)
Jets are very fuel inefficient below 18,000 ft, so rarely travel there for any distance, above 18,000 requires IFR clearance.
For that short island hop mentioned in the article, there is no need for IFR flight in good weather. Doubtful, without looking at the approach plates, that either airport has sufficient nav equipment for landings in really cruddy weather.
A helicopter would be ideal for that trip, but they had the jet there, so thats what they used.
I never used the word “airliner”—you did.