Air Facts

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Thats especially true for instrument pilots, where Air Traffic Control sounds like they are running the show, the avionics seem to direct the flight along predefined routes, and the autopilot actually flies the airplane. But as obvious as this sounds, its surprisingly hard to do in the real world.

Pilot in Command 95

Pilot in Command Pilot Approach Airplanes 95

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 12, 2024

Talking to air traffic control (ATC) while flying IFR is challenging in the beginning, but with time and practice, you can master it! Use the CRAFT acronym to note down departure clearances quickly. You cant rely on visual cues to avoid other traffic – or even navigate accurately. Why Why are you calling?

Approach 52

Approach Clearance Pilot Air Traffic Control 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 2, 2024

You don’t need to check in with air traffic control (ATC) when flying VFR in Class E. It helps separate traffic at different altitudes. Class E is always in the background, making sure both VFR and IFR traffic can coexist in safety. No ATC clearance is required for VFR flights below 10,000 feet.

Airspace Classes 52

Airspace Classes AGL VOR Weather 52

Flight Training Central

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

At that point, you proceed on course as directed by air traffic control. The tricky part is that you are expected to proceed on course after reaching 5,000′ MSL, so technically, this is sort of your “expect further clearance” information.

Aeronautical Information Manual 52

Aeronautical Information Manual VOR Approach Air Traffic Control 52

Pilot Institute

AUGUST 9, 2024

Air Traffic Control (ATC) uses these procedures to delay aircraft. Most holding fixes are NAVAIDs such as VORs, RNAV (GPS) waypoints, and even ILS markers. When VORs are used as holding fixes, the fix is usually a specific DME distance on a particular radial. Time to expect further clearance.

VOR 52

VOR Pilot Crosswind Approach 52

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. The reroute was minimal, an insertion of Yardley VOR (ARD) into my flight plan. Foolish mortal.

Approach 69

Approach Wind Shear Runway VOR 69

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 10, 2023

When I contacted Rochester Approach, the controller came back with, "Are you looking for your clearance to College Park?" I answered in the affirmative, received my clearance, and was given a climb to 6,000 feet as the rain streaked over my windscreen. My halting readback caught the controller's attention.

Transponder 52

Transponder Approach Clearance General Aviation 52