So before we get into demystifying the complex clearances and instructions you’ll get flying IFR, let’s stick to the basics of how you’ll enter a holding pattern. The Shape of the Racetrack For starters, all holding patterns have the same shape, a racetrack pattern with two straight edges (as shown below). The racetrack will always… Continue reading Basics of Holding Patterns
Topic Category: IFR
IFR Checkride ORAL
Check out the above videos and watch them in pieces, don’t try to watch all in at once. Both IFR oral videos go fairly in-depth, and can similar to what you should expect on your checkride. The average oral length for an instrument rating is 1.5-2hrs, and largely depends on how sure you are of… Continue reading IFR Checkride ORAL
Random Facts to Remember
IFR Facts to TRY and Remember ILS Localizer freq 108.1-111.95 Localizer reception 18nm out, 1,000ft. Above highest terrain, 4,500ft above antenna site Localizer 3-6 degrees wide, 700ft wide at approach RWY threshold Good for 10 degrees left or right of course out to 18nm, 35 degrees off course 10nm out LDA is not aligned with the… Continue reading Random Facts to Remember
Primary v. Supporting Method
What Matters Most… So what matters most in life instrument flying? Well, that kind of depends on what phase of flight you are in of course… CFIIs love talking about Primary and Supporting instruments, and what instruments are “primary” for a certain maneuver (like a constant airspeed climb). While you may find that when actually… Continue reading Primary v. Supporting Method
Intercepting Courses
Follow Your Nose! If only it were that easy. Good news is this TOPIC is fairly easy and straightforward. Enjoy! ARTCC: Cessna 8MA I have revised routing advise ready to copy….. Cessna 8MA: uh, standby center, I’ll be landing in 25 minutes, try me back in 25′-30′ please. Turns out that doesn’t fly (literally) with… Continue reading Intercepting Courses
Instrument Regulations Explained
IFR 61.57(c)(d) 6 months to do: 6 approaches Holding Procedures and Tasks Intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems Additional 6 months to do it with a safety pilot to “get current” After that needs IPC (prescribed by ACS) (61.57(d)) 91.157 Must be instrument rated to fly special VFR at Night… Continue reading Instrument Regulations Explained
Electronic Navigation
Localizer and Marker Beacons How does a Localizer work? A localizer is just like a VOR, however instead of different radials, it is simply transmitting one long straight line and telling whether you are left or right of that line. It DOES NOT matter what the OBS knob is set to when you have a… Continue reading Electronic Navigation
Portable Navigation
Ipads are great, but…. There are tons of options when it comes to portable GPS units. One of your best bets is to purchase an iPad or Android Tablet and dedicate its use just for your navigation app (such as Foreflight, Garmin Pilot, or WingX Pro). There are also separate GPS only units you can… Continue reading Portable Navigation
Instrument Insides Explained
Altimeter Errors There are certain errors associated with all altimeters. What you need to be concerned with as a pilot is understanding that when flying in cold air, even with the correct altimeter setting, the altimeter WILL indicate higher than you really are. This is a big problem when trying to navigate your way around… Continue reading Instrument Insides Explained
Instrument Scanning Techniques
A Plan For Your Scan…. You’ll hear this constantly, that “the scan” is the most important part of instrument flying, “The secret to instrument flying is having a good scan”, and you need to “keep your scan going”. Well cool, but I hate it when you hear all these “important sayings”, yet no one ever… Continue reading Instrument Scanning Techniques