Topic Category: IFR

Descent Planning SC

The Perfect Descent So before we jump into approach plates, I think it’s important to take a pause for the cause for 2 minutes and quick review how to make a safe and STABLE descent.  That will make it ten times easier for you to fly an instrument approach in the airplane if you have… Continue reading Descent Planning SC

Airport Diagrams SC

No Google Maps at Your Destination Airport Unfortunately, you will not have google maps on your cell phone to guide you around the taxiways and other movement and non-movement areas at your destination airport.  An essential part of your preflight planning needs to include becoming familiar with not only the runway information and layout at… Continue reading Airport Diagrams SC

Low En-route Charts SC

Remember: Low Charts are updated every 56 days just like instrument approach procedures and many of your other IFR publications.

Transponders SC

MODE C Transponders Well first, what is a transponder?  A transponder is a little box mounted in the panel of your airplane where you can set a 4 digit code that ATC assigns to you.  The purpose of this box is to tell ATC where you are and how high you are.  Transponders are also… Continue reading Transponders SC

Basics of Holding Patterns SC

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 SC

Center (ARTCC) SC

Air Route Traffic Control Center, or better known as “CENTER” ARTCCs are what make up the vast majority of our NAS.  They cover all the airspace that is “controlled airspace” (class E or better) and the airspace not controlled by Towers or TRACON.  Keep in mind just because you are in Class E “controlled airspace”… Continue reading Center (ARTCC) SC