Air Traffic Control, VOR and Weather

Who is the pilot in command of your aircraft?

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. Navigate also means managing weather, because thats often the biggest challenge on an IFR flight.

Pilot in Command

Pilot in Command Pilot Approach Airplanes

Airport Beacons Explained

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

This isnt a strict rule, but its especially common at airports where Air Traffic Control (ATC) staff can control the beacons. However, many airports use photoelectric cells or timers to control their beacons, so ATC staff cant always control them directly.

VOR

VOR Pilot Instrument Landing System Weather

How to Fly a VOR Approach: Made Easy

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Are you curious about flying a VOR approach? If you’re aiming to master instrument-rated flying, it’d be valuable to learn about VOR approaches. We’ll cover what a VOR approach is, how to fly it step-by-step, and even whether GPS can replace it in today’s navigation. Ready to make VOR approaches easy?

VOR

VOR Approach Descent Final Approach

Drone Lingo Simplified: Acronyms Every Pilot Needs To Know

Pilot Institute

MARCH 6, 2025

Rather, it is affected by many factors, such as weather conditions and the presence of obstacles. 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

Pilot Weather Air Traffic Control NOTAMs

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

Inflight Pilot Training

MARCH 30, 2025

Youll learn how to navigate, communicate with Air Traffic Control, interpret weather, and conduct instrument approaches to airports, all without relying on whats outside your window. This rating adds an entirely new dimension to your skillsetand makes you a true all-weather aviator. What Is an Instrument Rating?

Pilot

Pilot Weather Approach Visual Flight Rules

What Is Pilot Ground School?

Pilot's Life Blog

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Ground school is where youll learn the theory behind flyingeverything from aerodynamics to flight regulations and weather patterns. Whether you’re planning a cross-country flight or navigating through controlled airspace, ground school will teach you how to chart a safe and efficient course.

Pilot

Pilot Air Traffic Control Weather Flight Plan

Class E Airspace Explained

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. Use the Cessna 3-152 mnemonic to remember weather minimums for VFR.

Airspace Classes

Airspace Classes AGL VOR Weather

Mastering IFR Approach Radio Calls: A Simple Guide for Pilots

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! You cant rely on visual cues to avoid other traffic – or even navigate accurately. Or you might stray off course and into bad weather or obstacles. Radar vectors to GAYEL.

Approach

Approach Clearance Pilot Air Traffic Control

How to Fly the Perfect Holding Pattern (Entry, Wind Correction, etc.)

Pilot Institute

AUGUST 9, 2024

Air Traffic Control (ATC) uses these procedures to delay aircraft. This can be for spacing or other reasons, such as waiting for adverse weather conditions to pass. Most holding fixes are NAVAIDs such as VORs, RNAV (GPS) waypoints, and even ILS markers. Holding patterns are the aviation equivalent of a stop light.

VOR

VOR Pilot Crosswind Approach

Sweet Dreams

Photographic Logbook

APRIL 19, 2024

This year, a promising weather forecast featuring high freezing levels (expected to be 9,000+ feet) led to a decision to fly myself. The day before departure, satisfied that days of consistent weather forecasts reasonably assured a successful flight, I cancelled the rental car reservation. Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in the gloom.

Approach

Approach Wind Shear Runway VOR

Hot Times in the "Freeze"

Photographic Logbook

JULY 6, 2024

I think this because whenever multiple aircraft depart Sodus bound for the same destination, we almost always pique the curiosity of air traffic control. Proceeding into Pennsylvania, we saw obvious examples of the terrain manufacturing weather. We were cleared direct to College Park via the Westminster VOR (EMI).

Pilot

Pilot Flight Plan Air Traffic Control General Aviation

Into the Flight Restricted Zone | Part 1, Of PINs and Prop Locks

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 10, 2023

It was not an inspiring morning to fly out of Sodus, but I knew that the poor weather was localized to the Lake Ontario shore and that Washington DC was forecast to be sunny and significantly warmer. Just north of the Selinsgrove VOR, Harrisburg called with the first change in routing. That cannot happen in the FRZ.

Transponder

Transponder Approach Clearance General Aviation

Biennial Flight Review Guide: Preparing for Success

Pilot's Life Blog

FEBRUARY 10, 2025

Discussions may also cover weather interpretation, flight planning, and risk management. Weather Theory and Interpretation Weather is a critical factor in flight safety. Revisiting weather concepts, such as atmospheric pressure systems, fronts, and cloud formations, enhances your ability to make informed decisions.

Weather

Weather Pilot Aeronautical Decision-Making Federal Aviation Regulations

Cross-Country Flying: Tips and Tricks for Planning and Executing Successful Tips

Aviators of Tomorrow

JUNE 13, 2023

Here are some crucial steps to follow: a) Check Weather Conditions: Stay updated on current and forecasted weather conditions along your route. Unfavorable weather can significantly impact your flight, so it’s crucial to assess conditions and plan accordingly. Can I fly cross-country without GPS navigation?

Air Traffic Control

Air Traffic Control Weather NDB Flight Plan

ATC Communications: What to Say, and When

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

Basics of Radio Communications With Air Traffic Control The guiding principle of ATC communications is understanding. You check the weather, get information Charlie, and then tune up tower frequency. Consider what calls might come up given the route of flight and the types of airspace and weather it might pass through.

Aeronautical Information Manual

Aeronautical Information Manual Runway Pilot Air Traffic Control

North to Ottawa | Part 3, Caution: Wet Paint

Photographic Logbook

OCTOBER 19, 2023

My filed route to Ogdensburg was via YOW (the Ottawa VOR) and IKLAX. I paid for Canadian charts to facilitate planning and navigation and I will pay a quarterly service fee to Nav Canada for air traffic control services. I have received vectors around other aircraft, airspace, and weather. I was instantly annoyed.

Approach

Approach Clearance Airplanes Runway

ATC Communications: What to Say, and When

Plane and Pilot

AUGUST 8, 2024

Basics of Radio Communications With Air Traffic Control The guiding principle of ATC communications is understanding. You check the weather, get information Charlie, and then tune up tower frequency. Consider what calls might come up given the route of flight and the types of airspace and weather it might pass through.

Aeronautical Information Manual

Aeronautical Information Manual Runway Pilot Air Traffic Control

Aviator Connection

Who is the pilot in command of your aircraft?

Airport Beacons Explained

Trending Sources

How to Fly a VOR Approach: Made Easy

Drone Lingo Simplified: Acronyms Every Pilot Needs To Know

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

What Is Pilot Ground School?

Class E Airspace Explained

Mastering IFR Approach Radio Calls: A Simple Guide for Pilots

How to Fly the Perfect Holding Pattern (Entry, Wind Correction, etc.)

Sweet Dreams

Hot Times in the "Freeze"

Into the Flight Restricted Zone | Part 1, Of PINs and Prop Locks

Biennial Flight Review Guide: Preparing for Success

Cross-Country Flying: Tips and Tricks for Planning and Executing Successful Tips

ATC Communications: What to Say, and When

North to Ottawa | Part 3, Caution: Wet Paint

ATC Communications: What to Say, and When

Stay Connected