Is trial planning to an Intersection/waypoint/DME fix considered an error if navigable?

• A. Yes it's an error.
• B. No, it's not an error if navigable but not required.
• C. It's strictly prohibited.
• D. Only allowed if direct to destination.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that a trial plan can include a navigable fix even if that fix isn’t required by the clearance. If the intersection, waypoint, or DME fix exists in the navigation database and the aircraft can actually fly to it with the available equipment, planning to it is not an error. It doesn’t violate the clearance as long as the overall route remains compliant and you’re not navigating to a non-navigable fix or into restricted/unsupported areas. So, planning to a navigable fix that isn’t mandatory is acceptable, whereas planning to a fix you can’t actually navigate to (or doing something restricted) would be problematic.