Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 22, 2025

The descent profile. This perspective makes the descent path easier to understand. Non-precision approaches (such as a localizer, VOR, LNAV, or NDB) use a Maltese cross for the FAF. At this point you should start descending to the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA). That V represents the Visual Descent Point or VDP.

Approach

Photographic Logbook

JUNE 29, 2025

"Hi.I'm in Delaware." - Wayne Campbell, Wayne's World , 1992 Restless Pilot Syndrome Having resumed acting as pilot in command of my own airplane after a relatively brief setback, I was delighted beyond words to be back at it. This was a lesson learned in 2024 while coincidentally receiving another reroute near Philadelphia.

Runway

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Are you curious about flying a VOR approach? If you’re aiming to master instrument-rated flying, it’d be valuable to learn about VOR approaches. We’ll cover what a VOR approach is, how to fly it step-by-step, and even whether GPS can replace it in today’s navigation. Ready to make VOR approaches easy?

VOR

Flight Training Central

DECEMBER 13, 2024

Here are the five most often missed questions from November 2024 on the simulated Instrument Rating Airplane Knowledge Test. At which altitude and location on V573 would you expect the navigational signal of the HOT VOR/DME to be unreliable? Let’s get to the quiz! Refer to figure 34.) 6,000 feet at ELMMO intersection.

Clearance

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

It can also be dangerous when the learner drops the airplane to fly the checklist or radio, so practice in the ATD is often a good way to learn procedures, as the ATD is a CFI-controlled environment. To get the most out of the scenario, the learner should use the same procedures in the airplane. It’s an ATD.

Crosswind

AV Web

JUNE 6, 2024

After flying “several miles” toward the assigned VOR, the Bonanza began a tight right turn to 213 degrees and its rate of descent began to increase, ultimately reaching as high as 15,000 feet per minute.

VOR

AV Web

JUNE 6, 2024

After flying “several miles” toward the assigned VOR, the Bonanza began a tight right turn to 213 degrees and its rate of descent began to increase, ultimately reaching as high as 15,000 feet per minute.

VOR

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 12, 2024

If you’re on a non-precision or precision approach, understanding MDA (Minimum Descent Altitude) and DA (Decision Altitude) is incredibly important. The main difference: MDA involves leveling off, while DA involves deciding during descent. These paths guide the airplane safely during its descent.

Altimeter

Air Facts

SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

The many analyses and videos on these topics have been done in what can best be described as laboratory conditions—carefully selected ideal conditions of pilot, airplane, and environment. The instructor was able to complete the turn, but the airplane overshot the runway. The engine problem was unaddressed carburetor ice.

Gross Weight

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 4, 2024

VNAV adds automated vertical guidance to approaches, reducing pilot workload during descents. It calculates a descent route to maintain a stable approach from the initial approach fix to touchdown. Always have a backup (ILS/VOR). VNAV can assist you in planning optimal descent profiles, which helps lower fuel consumption.

Approach

Photographic Logbook

APRIL 19, 2024

Even though I was likely to be cleared through the outer ring by ATC (air traffic control) while on an instrument flight plan, I filed a route from Sodus to the Williamsport VOR (FQM) that circumvented the TFR entirely. hours I had already put on the airplane since the repair increased my confidence that the issue was suitably managed.

Approach

Photographic Logbook

JULY 11, 2024

We were assigned a slightly ridiculous alteration to the route I filed: MANCH T316 LAMMS T608 ROC that had us flying past Sodus to the Rochester VOR before setting up for Sodus. Once on with Syracuse, I decided to rectify the inefficient routing at the end of my instrument clearance and requested direct to Sodus from the Syracuse VOR.

Ceiling

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 3, 2025

Choose SmartCharts and youll see some new icons next to each line, with a climbing airplane representing a departure, a descending airplane representing an arrival, a feather flag representing an approach, and a circle representing airport diagrams. Some of the smaller details are also surprisingly helpful.

NOTAMs

Pilot Institute

MAY 1, 2024

The landing minimums section includes: Minimum descent altitudes. Preflight Planning Some pilots believe an approach briefing means skimming the chart right before descent. Set the ILS, LOC, or VOR frequency required for the approach on your navigation radio. Decision altitudes/heights. Minimum visibilities.

Approach

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 10, 2023

I had an easy out available to me: a descent of 1000 feet would bring me out of the clouds with plenty of altitude to spare above the terrain. Just north of the Selinsgrove VOR, Harrisburg called with the first change in routing. When landing in the SFRA/FRZ, that code must be maintained until the airplane is on the ground.

Transponder

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 11, 2024

I was very fortunate this year to share my airplane with a varied cast of terrific friends both old and new. West of the Geneseo VOR, I passed high above Silver Lake and the gorge in Letchworth State Park. Except for a single airplane tied down on the ramp, the parking apron was empty. Wasting Away Again in. Ohioville?

Runway

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

I generally knew what to expect since this was not my first time in a small airplane. ASA Airplane Flying Handbook can be a great resource. Stay ahead of the airplane in-flight to give yourself time to think and to free yourself for jotting down notes as needed.

Aeronautical Information Manual

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

I generally knew what to expect since this was not my first time in a small airplane. ASA Airplane Flying Handbook can be a great resource. Stay ahead of the airplane in-flight to give yourself time to think and to free yourself for jotting down notes as needed.

Aeronautical Information Manual

Professional Pilot

JULY 3, 2024

Thinking we could be on fire, we initiated a 7000-fpm descent. Little thought is given to the fact that a 7000-fpm descent will fog the windows. McDonnell Douglas DC 10/DC-8, Boeing 737, Falcon 900, Citation Excel/Mustang and Hawker 800XP Chief Pilot Alaska Utah Aviation Sunrise FL A viation moves as fast as the airplanes we fly.

Pilot