Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 22, 2025

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. Theyre officially called Instrument Approach Procedure (or IAP) charts, but pilots often casually call them approach plates.

Approach

Flight Training Central

JUNE 16, 2025

It’s important for pilots to understand the operating requirements and restrictions regarding Special Use airspace (SUA). Pilots can request the status of SUA by contacting the using or controlling agency. IFR flights will tpyically be routed around active Restricted Areas.

Clearance

Northstar VFR

AUGUST 25, 2024

The list of inspections gets longer if the aircraft is for compensation/for hire, or if flown under instrument flight rules (IFR). It’s the responsibility of the pilot-in-command (PIC) to confirm that the inspections have been performed and the aircraft airworthy before conducting a flight.

Annual Inspection

WayMan

NOVEMBER 8, 2024

SIDs are published flight routes designed to safely transition aircraft from the airport to the enroute phase of their journey. Understanding these procedures is essential for pilots flying under IFR ( Instrument Flight Rules ) to maintain organized, safe, and efficient air traffic.

Pilot

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 6, 2024

How much “actual instrument” flight time do you have? Chances are, if you’re a VFR pilot, you do not have any unless it was with an instructor. If you’re an instrument rated pilot, however, you should have some flight time logged in what FAR 61.51

Instrument Meteorological Conditions

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. It added less than 10 minutes to the overall flight time. Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the gloom.

Approach

Pilot Institute

APRIL 24, 2024

Pilots must meet equipment and certification requirements and have ATC clearance to enter. Class B airspace is also charted on VFR Sectionals and instrument flight rules (IFR) Enroute Low Altitude charts. If flying under IFR, you’ll need a VOR or TACAN receiver, or an RNAV system (GPS).

Clearance

Pilot Institute

MAY 1, 2024

For new instrument pilots, flying an approach to minimums is a big challenge. Key Takeaways Instrument approach briefings help pilots maintain situational awareness during the approach. What Is an Instrument Approach Briefing? As pilots, we must review and brief the approach in detail before attempting to fly it.

Approach

AeroSavvy

AUGUST 20, 2021

Pilots who regularly operate at high elevation airports are (or should be) familiar with planning this type of flying. The “Six” can seat 6 (pilot + 5 passengers) in a 2-2-2 seating configuration. An autopilot and Aspen primary flight display reduce workload on long flights. Flagstaff is at 7,015 feet.

Density Altitude

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Have you ever wondered how pilots navigate with such precision? Pilots need to understand the differences between these systems for safe flying. GPS has transformed how pilots navigate, but what occurs when satellite signals falter? GPS has transformed how pilots navigate, but what occurs when satellite signals falter?

Approach

Pilot Institute

APRIL 26, 2024

We won’t help you practice your pilot voice, though… Preflight Preparation Talking to ATC can undoubtedly be stressful when you first start. Learn the Phonetic Alphabet Pilots and controllers use the phonetic alphabet to communicate clearly. You can listen in on real exchanges between ATC and pilots.

Clearance

Flight Training Central

APRIL 29, 2024

It’s important for pilots to understand the operating requirements and restrictions regarding Special Use airspace (SUA). Pilots can request the status of SUA by contacting the using or controlling agency. IFR flights will tpyically be routed around active Restricted Areas.

Clearance