Pilot Institute

JANUARY 27, 2025

The six primary instruments (the six-pack) are the Attitude Indicator (AI), Heading Indicator (HI), Turn Coordinator, Airspeed Indicator, Altimeter, and the Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI). Pitot-Static Instruments The instruments that use the pitot-static system are the airspeed indicator, altimeter, and Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI).

Pitot Tube 52

Pitot Tube Altimeter Instrument Flight Rules Descent 52

Air Facts

JUNE 4, 2025

I tuned the Manila VOR to confirm my position and set up the next waypoint. I focused on the panel: attitude indicator, heading indicator, altimeter. I acknowledged and began a gentle descent. I locked into a steady scan: attitude, altimeter, turn coordinator, back to heading. Trust the tools. My instincts didnt.

Altimeter 52

Altimeter Turbulence Weather VOR 52

Air Facts

MAY 5, 2025

Just north of Jefferson City, the Kansas City Center controller cleared us to the Jeff City VOR, which was on the airport, to hold at 4,000 feet. I got out my instrument approach chart and studied the holding pattern and the VOR approach procedure. How can this be? Then my worst fears became reality.

VOR 52

VOR Weather Approach Runway 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 15, 2025

Before RNAV, pilots had to rely on radios (NAVAIDs) and antennas on the ground such as VORs (Very High-Frequency Omnidirectional Range) and NDBs (Non-Directional Beacons). LNAV Approach An LNAV (Lateral Navigation) approach helps guide you left and right toward the runway, but it doesnt tell you how to control your descent.

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Descent Airplanes 52

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. What does that mean?

Altimeter 52

Altimeter Descent Approach Runway 52

iPad Pilot News

JUNE 3, 2025

and any adjustments to be made (runway lighting out of service, remote altimeter setting, etc.). For example, the profile view in SmartCharts shows the descent angle for an LNAV+V approach (one with an advisory glideslope) and also the visual glideslope angle (like a PAPI). Some of the smaller details are also surprisingly helpful.

NOTAMs 59

NOTAMs Approach Runway Pilot 59

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. Set your altimeter bug accordingly. Decision altitudes/heights.

Approach 52

Approach NOTAMs Runway Weather 52