article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

TRSA Airspace Explained (Terminal Radar Service Area)

Pilot Institute

These services include traffic advisories and sequencing of arrivals and departures for aircraft operating under both Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR). If you choose to use these services, youll need to establish communication with the appropriate ATC facility, usually Approach Control.