Altimeter Descent VOR 
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.
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).
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WayMan
JUNE 16, 2025
Altimeter: Shows the altitude of the aircraft above a designated reference point, essential for flight level assignment and terrain clearance. Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI): Indicates the aircraft’s rate of climb or descent, making it possible to accurately control the vertical flight path.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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