Pilot Institute

JANUARY 24, 2025

Special VFR is a clearance issued by Air Traffic Control (ATC) that allows pilots to operate in weather conditions below the standard VFR minimums. This means that you need a minimum cloud ceiling of 1,000ft when operating at airports with Class B, C, D, or E airspace.

Clearance 52

Clearance Pilot in Command Ceiling Weather 52

Inflight Pilot Training

MARCH 30, 2025

What Is an Instrument Rating? An Instrument Rating is an FAA certification that allows you to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This rating adds an entirely new dimension to your skillsetand makes you a true all-weather aviator.

Pilot 52

Pilot Weather Approach Visual Flight Rules 52

Pilot Institute

MARCH 6, 2025

AGL is important for drone pilots as the regular ceiling for drone flight is defined as 400 feet AGL. FAA Federal Aviation Administration The FAA is the US federal government agency in charge of aviation standards, air traffic control, airspace safety, and the certification of personnel and aircraft.

Pilot 52

Pilot Weather Air Traffic Control NOTAMs 52

Fear of Landing

DECEMBER 6, 2024

By now, it was dark and the weather in Gaithersburg had deteriorated with fog and low cloud ceilings. The pilot was instrument rated and the flight was on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan: that is, they did not have to stay visual for the flight.

Approach 97

Approach Runway Air Traffic Control Descent 97

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. However, there was a presidential TFR (temporary flight restriction) around Scranton that lay on a direct line between Sodus and Philly. Famous last words.)

Approach 69

Approach Wind Shear Runway VOR 69

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

You might think that Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) are just about how to control and use your instruments in the aircraft, but you need more than skill–you need a rock-solid plan. IFR flight planning is about preparing for every twist and turn along the route. What Is an IFR Flight Plan?

Flight Plan 52

Flight Plan Pilot Weather Approach 52