What is the correct way to say IFR Military Training Route 17?

The correct answer is "Military Training Route Seventeen." In aviation communication, especially concerning military training routes (MTRs), clarity and standardization are paramount. MTRs are designated routes for the military to conduct low-altitude training operations, and their numbers are typically pronounced as whole numbers rather than as individual digits. Therefore, "Seventeen" correctly conveys the numerical designation of the route in a standardized manner.

Saying "IR Seventeen" would misrepresent the name of the route as it includes an unnecessary prefix that does not reflect the typical nomenclature used in aviation. Similarly, "Individual Route Seventeen" and "Intended Route Seventeen" do not adhere to the established terminology, which could lead to confusion during communication in a high-stakes operational environment. Thus, using "Military Training Route Seventeen" aligns with the conventions of aviation phraseology, ensuring effective communication among pilots and air traffic control.