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How to Read an IFR Approach Chart

Pilot Institute

Flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) can, at times, feel like deciphering a complicated puzzle, especially when you’re staring at an approach chart filled with intricate details. Approach charts, often referred to as approach plates, become your guide when visual cues are scarce. Approach minima.

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RNAV Approaches Simplified: A Guide for New Pilots

Pilot Institute

Well, one important thing youll need to know is RNAV approaches. These approaches use GPS to help you land and offer more flexibility than traditional systems like ILS. In this guide, you’ll learn how RNAV approaches work, the different types available, and tips to make them feel natural and straightforward.

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Quiz: Regulations for Instrument Flight Rules

Flight Training Central

To meet the minimum instrument experience requirements, within the last 6 calendar months you need to have flown six hours in the same category aircraft, and at least 3 of the 6 hours in actual IFR conditions. six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses in the appropriate category of aircraft.

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What Is Special VFR (SVFR) and How Can You Use It?

Pilot Institute

There are additional requirements for requesting special VFR at night: You must be qualified for instrument flight, as per FAR 61 The aircraft must be equipped and capable of instrument flight At that point, it may just be easier (and, perhaps, safer) to request an IFR clearance and execute an approach.

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Don’t Stop at Private Pilot—10 Reasons to Get Your Instrument Rating Next

Inflight Pilot Training

An Instrument Rating is far more than a regulatory box to checkits one of the most empowering, safety-enhancing, and rewarding experiences youll have as a pilot. What Is an Instrument Rating? An Instrument Rating is an FAA certification that allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

Pilot 52
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Accident Briefs—June 2025

Plane and Pilot

The pilot did not request any air traffic control services for the 22-minute flight, and the airspace at the destination airport was not tower-controlled. Recorded track data revealed that the pilot began a descent to the destination airport and crossed over the approach end of the runway on a heading perpendicular to the runway heading.

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How to Brief an Instrument Approach (Step-by-Step)

Pilot Institute

For new instrument pilots, flying an approach to minimums is a big challenge. Adding an approach briefing to the mix feels like one task too many. Luckily, mastering approach briefings is not as hard as it seems. This article breaks down how to deliver a top-notch approach briefing, every time. Approach notes.