Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The go-to instrument approach for keeping the mail moving is: Cleared for the visual. So its worth a review of the corner-cases and gotchas hidden in the plain-sight (visual) approach. Weather reporting at the destination isnt required so long as some reliable source says theres at least 1000-foot ceilings and three miles visibly.

Approach 52

Approach Clearance Runway Ceiling 52

Air Facts

MAY 5, 2025

The ice finally disappeared altogether as we descended into clear skies and above freezing air on our approach to Kirksville. The hourly sequence report showed Springfield had a ceiling of 100 feet obscured, a visibility of 3/8 mile and fog with a surface temperature of 30 degrees F. Phil was a cool head under pressure.

VOR 52

VOR Weather Approach Runway 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The go-to instrument approach for keeping the mail moving is: Cleared for the visual. So its worth a review of the corner-cases and gotchas hidden in the plain-sight (visual) approach. Weather reporting at the destination isnt required so long as some reliable source says theres at least 1000-foot ceilings and three miles visibly.

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Clearance Runway 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

For an instrument pilot, though, there is one key difference between a smaller, non-towered airport and a larger one with an air traffic control tower: obtaining an IFR clearance. Call for your IFR clearance, including route, altitude, and transponder code. Here are three ways to get a clearance at a non-towered airport.

Clearance 52

Clearance Air Traffic Control Airplanes Transponder 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

The conditions were a mile of visibility and about 500 feet of ragged ceiling, barely enough to maintain orientation by landmarks passing below. There was no point in trying another approach, and we’d already checked the alternate airport’s weather on the way in, which was equally bad. Now, where to go?

Weather 82

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 82

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Its easy to get in a rut practicing approaches around your home drome. Its easy to get in a rut practicing approaches around your home drome. Or, maybe you dont even practice approaches enough to have a same. Maybe today its partial-panel approaches with an ILS or LPV. Rate the approaches and have the loser buy lunch.

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Ceiling Descent 52

Photographic Logbook

MAY 18, 2025

2025 brought cold temperatures, low ceiling, rain, and gusty wind, the latter fortuitously right down the runway. A View from the Tower (Mostly) Shortly after my ascent of the tower, all four WFC airplanes were staged, ceilings were declared high enough to fly the usual ride circuit, and pilots simply awaited the arrival of passengers.

Ceiling 52

Ceiling Airplanes Weather Runway 52

Photographic Logbook

JULY 5, 2024

Dramatic Ceiling Date Aircraft Route of Flight Time (hrs) Total (hrs) 05 Jul 2024 N21481 SDC (Sodus, NY) - LKP (Lake Placid, NY) - SDC 3.2 While I have an instrument rating in my back pocket and the option to request a pop-up IFR clearance, I try to avoid playing that card unless it's truly necessary.

Clearance 86

Clearance Ceiling Weather Runway 86

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 6, 2024

The route is simple, GPS direct, but…there’s my personal 1,000-foot en route ceiling requirement, and those silly Smoky Mountains. Also, from when I lived out West, there was the mountaintop clearance guideline—1,000 feet for every 10 knots of wind, with 30 knots meaning no-go. It was now time to plan the trip.

Airplanes 94

Airplanes Weather Ceiling Turbulence 94

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 12, 2024

six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses in the appropriate category of aircraft. completes the required 6 hours and six approaches, followed by an instrument proficiency check given by an FAA-designated examiner. the ILS approach can be credited only if you use a view-limiting device.

Instrument Flight Rules 52

Instrument Flight Rules Ceiling Descent Approach 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 17, 2024

Additionally, a pilot should report any of the following events:: When vacating any previously assigned altitude or flight level for a newly assigned altitude or flight level ( AIM 5-3-3 ) When an altitude change will be made if operating on a clearance specifying VFR-on-top. ( AIM 5-3-3 ) When an approach has been missed. (

Instrument Flight Rules 52

Instrument Flight Rules AGL Ceiling True Airspeed 52

Photographic Logbook

JULY 11, 2024

I had no interest in flying one hour north only to be shut out of our destination by weather below minimums for the available instrument approach procedure. ATC was great, the FBO (FlightLevel - Beverly) treated us well and charged reasonable fees, and radar services were managed by the perennially capable Boston Approach.

Ceiling 52

Ceiling Approach Weather Runway 52

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

First, I planned to fly into midsize airports equipped with both approach radar and an operating tower. While the temptation to find cheaper gas at an uncontrolled field loomed large, the extra services provided by the approach control, clearance delivery, and a busier FBO seemed to make more sense. It was time to divert.

Weather 91

Weather Clearance Pilot Airplanes 91

Plane and Pilot

SEPTEMBER 1, 2024

The conditions were a mile of visibility and about 500 feet of ragged ceiling, barely enough to maintain orientation by landmarks passing below. There was no point in trying another approach, and we’d already checked the alternate airport’s weather on the way in, which was equally bad. Now, where to go?

Weather 52

Weather Ceiling Approach Clearance 52

Pilot Institute

APRIL 24, 2024

Pilots must meet equipment and certification requirements and have ATC clearance to enter. This central core extends up to around 10,000 feet MSL, the airspace’s ceiling. However, the ceiling for each shelf is the same as the core. Although Class B airspace has a typical ceiling of 10,000 feet MSL, exceptions exist.

Clearance 52

Clearance Ceiling Airspace Classes Transponder 52

Air Facts

DECEMBER 30, 2024

The year was 2017, and I was two months into my first pilot job flying skydivers in the C182 at a small Canadian drop zone, when my boss approached me with this question. My approach into St. This was the actual conversation that started the journey for this green commercial pilot.

Weather 98

Weather Approach VFR On Top Knot 98

Flying Magazine

MAY 15, 2024

VFR to MVFR…then 2 miles visibility and a ceiling of 1,200 feet agl. If the learner is not instrument rated but is training at an airport with an instrument approach, this might be a great time to teach them how to fly the approach as an emergency measure. It’s just a few minutes, right? What could go wrong?

Crosswind 110

Crosswind VOR Airplanes Runway 110

Pilot Institute

MARCH 6, 2025

AGL is important for drone pilots as the regular ceiling for drone flight is defined as 400 feet AGL. In contrast to a control tower, an FSS is not responsible for giving instructions or clearances to aircraft. The systematic approach is designed to help pilots approach troublesome situations in a calm and logical manner.

Pilot 52

Pilot Weather Air Traffic Control NOTAMs 52

Photographic Logbook

APRIL 19, 2024

I expected to manage some cloud layers during the New York portion of the flight, but the forecast called for a high ceiling at Northeast Philadelphia Airport. I expected minimal IMC time and the need for an approach appeared beyond remote. Grab Bag My latest adventure in Warrior 481 had a little bit of everything. Famous last words.)

Approach 77

Approach Wind Shear Runway VOR 77

Photographic Logbook

FEBRUARY 4, 2024

More often than not, winter flying in Upstate New York is contingent on the ceiling. Ceilings are often too low to fly beneath and slowly climbing through a cloud layer of indeterminate thickness in sub-freezing temperatures risks icing. However, a persistent low ceiling scuttled those morning plans.

Ceiling 52

Ceiling Approach Pilot Weather 52

Air Facts

AUGUST 16, 2024

Allowing the altitude to sort itself out was the most practical approach with dealing with the wave and associated turbulence. Clearing Canadian Customs was a breeze,—a simple telephone call to CANPASS to get our clearance number. The next day was VFR with some lower cloud ceilings along the way.

Weather 98

Weather Knot Ceiling Turbulence 98

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 19, 2024

For many, the thought of getting in instrument rating gives thoughts to flying an approach to minimums in hard IFR conditions after never seeing the ground since shortly after takeoff. Perhaps those thoughts include dealing with inclement weather, or even icing conditions. You can file and operate “IFR” even on good weather days.

Pilot 52

Pilot Clearance Weather Approach 52

Photographic Logbook

JULY 9, 2024

Exactly like NYC, downtown Boston is encircled by restrictive Class Bravo airspace down to the surface that requires explicit clearance to enter. I requested flight following to Boston for a city tour from Beverly Ground and we were handed off to Boston Approach shortly after getting airborne. I was a little nervous.

Clearance 52

Clearance Runway Approach Stability 52

ABEAM

AUGUST 26, 2023

After almost 3h55 Aberdeen made us contact Approach and we got a RNP 31 approach onto Wick (EGPC) from over the sea. IFR clearance was direct to DEVBI while we knew we could pick up our oceanic clearance (my first ever !) It was very quiet and easy and we mostly saw windmills and oilrigs. after DEVBI with Iceland Radio.

Weather 52

Weather Clearance Knot Airplanes 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 2, 2024

No flying in winds exceeding 10 knots, no chance of obscuring precipitation, no use of runways shorter than 5,000 feet, no risk of encountering darkness or lowering ceilings. Fixating on the runway numbers can lead to flying through treetops during the approach. They may be rated, but not ready for the real world. Go no lower.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Crosswind Ceiling 52

Plane and Pilot

OCTOBER 2, 2024

No flying in winds exceeding 10 knots, no chance of obscuring precipitation, no use of runways shorter than 5,000 feet, no risk of encountering darkness or lowering ceilings. Fixating on the runway numbers can lead to flying through treetops during the approach. They may be rated, but not ready for the real world. Go no lower.

Wind Shear 52

Wind Shear Runway Crosswind Ceiling 52

Air Facts

OCTOBER 30, 2024

Then, we’d meet in Signature’s lobby, IAD’s FBO, and go over the day’s lesson: destination, altitude, maneuvers, approaches, and completion standards. After startup, I’d record a VOR check in the aircraft log while waiting for our clearance. We flew the usual approaches: VOR, ILS, and the now extinct NDB. We also flew in IMC.

NDB 52

NDB Checkride VOR Approach 52

Gary's Flight Journal

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

I've been going through weather updates and long range forecasts for the last two weeks along with reviewing approaches and alternates for our flight. I called the clearance delivery number on the OXB NOTAM but they gave me another number to call. I was handed off to Charleston approach and the controller turned me to the coast.

VOR 52

VOR Weather Clearance Approach 52

Fear of Landing

MAY 23, 2025

Yesterday, the 22nd of May 2025, a Cessna S550 Citation II crashed in San Diego, on approach to the Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. They approached San Diego in the early hours of Thursday morning. The approach to Runway 28R has a minimum descent altitude of 673 feet above mean sea level, which is 250 feet above ground level.

Approach 70

Approach Ceiling Weather Pilot 70

Charles Ryan's Flying Adventure

MARCH 28, 2024

Finally before started our descent, our female Captain came on and updated us on our arrival and weather update and with a prediction of light turbulence during our approach. At this point, it was slightly turbulence as we flew through some low ceiling clouds. Below) We were on final approach to runway 27L. Can you spot the Eye?

Turbulence 52

Turbulence Weather Runway Narrow-Body Aircraft 52

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

The ceiling must be at least 2,000 feet above the airport elevation. Your alternate airport must have a working instrument approach procedure available. At least 1 instrument approach procedure. A minimum ceiling of 600 (precision approach) or 800 feet (for a non-precision approach). Holding procedures.

Flight Plan 52

Flight Plan Pilot Weather Approach 52

Professional Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

Challenger 604, G-IV Contributing Writer Pilatus PC-12 on approach at ORL. Air traffic control instructions often lead to unstable approaches. The request to make a short approach or maintain a higher-than-normal speed to the final approach fix is the most common reason pilots don’t meet stable approach criteria.

Approach 105

Approach Descent Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Runway 105

Air Facts

MAY 27, 2024

I negotiated with Newark Tower for the Skyline at 1,500 feet then coordinated with LaGuardia Tower to get flight following, before being finally handed off to New York Approach for the rest of the way to KGON. And the trip went exactly as planned. The weather was exactly as forecasted (I know, right?), That’s right, 1,500 feet.

Ceiling 97

Ceiling Turbulence Approach Clearance 97

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 11, 2024

Off Sodus, I briefly leveled at 2,500 feet to remain visual until I received my instrument clearance from Rochester Approach. Fortunately, the clearance was a simple one that morning because I was absurdly tongue tied while talking to Rochester. ForeFlight ground track showing the aerial survey and approach to Put-In-Bay.

Runway 89

Runway Approach Knot Drag 89

Air Facts

AUGUST 5, 2024

Your CFI-I back in SoCal always taught you to look at the approach plate for the departure airport as well as the departure procedure/takeoff minimums/ODPs. ” Not only that, you just never know what kind of surprise ATC will spring on you when you’re picking up your IFR Clearance, so preparation is everything!

Density Altitude 98

Density Altitude Ceiling Runway Weather 98

Photographic Logbook

AUGUST 13, 2023

While I anticipated an IFR departure that morning, I wanted to see ceiling and visibility of at least 300 feet and a mile to avoid smacking into mountainous terrain around Pickens County Airport during take-off. Before too long, the visibility rose to unrestricted while the ceiling remained around 300 feet.

Approach 52

Approach Ceiling Runway Clearance 52

Air Facts

APRIL 29, 2024

KCPC was reporting IFR conditions with a 700’ ceiling and one mile visibility. Continued along at 6,000’ I advised ATC that the weather was received and requested the RNAV 24 approach. I was soon cleared to descend to 4,000’ and entered IMC during the descent while I located the approach chart to brief. RNAV 24 at KCPC.

Descent 98

Descent Approach Weather AGL 98