Pilot Institute

JANUARY 14, 2025

So, how do pilots manage to land their aircraft safely and accurately without even being able to see where theyre going? The ILS (Instrument Landing System) uses radio signals to help pilots align the aircraft accurately on their approach to a runway. Lets learn more about this system!

Approach 98

Approach Descent Runway Instrument Landing System 98

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 15, 2025

Area Navigation (RNAV) is a way for pilots to know where they’re going without needing help from the ground. Before RNAV, pilots had to rely on radios (NAVAIDs) and antennas on the ground such as VORs (Very High-Frequency Omnidirectional Range) and NDBs (Non-Directional Beacons). What Are RNAV Approaches? How Does RNAV Work?

Approach 52

Approach Pilot Descent Airplanes 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 17, 2024

VASI is also common at flight training schools since its straightforward approach helps student pilots learn visual landings easily. Airports like JFK or LAX, which handle heavy jets and require greater precision, use PAPI to give pilots detailed visual feedback during their approach. Safe landings!

Runway 98

Runway Approach Threshold Clearance 98

Pilot Institute

NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Unlike an Instrument Landing System (ILS), a VOR approach only provides horizontal guidance. So, you must manage the descent and altitude using the VORs published step-down fixes and minimum descent altitudes (MDAs). Sometimes, pilots tend to depend too much on their GPS displays. Why are VORs so important?

VOR 52

VOR Approach Descent Final Approach 52

Pilot Institute

JANUARY 27, 2025

Gyroscopic instruments rely on rigidity in space and include the AI, HI, and Turn Coordinator. Pitot-static instruments measure airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed. Mastering the six-pack is essential for safe and effective piloting. What Are the Six Instruments? The turn coordinator has four white demarcations.

Pitot Tube 52

Pitot Tube Altimeter Instrument Flight Rules Descent 52

Pilot Institute

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Are you studying for your instrument rating? Many pilots just memorize the answers instead of truly understanding them, especially when it comes to complicated topics like LPV, LNAV, and VNAV. VNAV adds automated vertical guidance to approaches, reducing pilot workload during descents. What Are LPV, LNAV, and VNAV?

Approach 52

Approach Descent Weather VOR 52

Aerotime

JULY 26, 2024

During the final approach, the pilot reduced engine throttles to manage airspeed and align with the Instrument Landing System glideslope. The estimated damage totals $456,248,485. The incident occurred while the crew was conducting a low-visibility approach through dense fog.

Wind Shear 265

Wind Shear Instrument Landing System Final Approach Runway 265