Cleared direct to xyz (US airspace)
Can anyone provide me with a definitive answer and preferably a reference to the appropriate section in the FAR/AIM TERPs ATC manual or where ever the answer is to this question?
When flying in US airspace under an instrument clearance TO an airport with a co-located/named VOR, VOR/DME or VORTAC navaid with the same identifier as the airport, for example Grand Rapids Airport (KGRR) and the navaid Grand Rapids (GRR). When enroute and cleared by ATC as follows "Lear 123 cleared direct Grand Rapids," is that to the navaid or the aerodrome (assuming Rnav/fms equipped)?
It was my understanding that unless the clearance specifically contained the word "airport" or "aerodrome" AND a navaid was co-named/located (however may be a number of miles distant) then the clearance limit was the navaid! However I cannot find a reference and find ATC inconsistent in their interpretation. Sorry for the length of the question, thanks in advance and this is not a gripe, just an effort to make up for my lack of knowledge!