Pilot eye view approaching to land under overcast skies.

The value of actual IFR conditions

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Aeronautical experience in the regulations does not require that you have any actual instrument flight time to obtain your instrument rating. That's correct, you can earn your instrument rating with flight time only in simulated conditions.

Getting started with IFR training – tips for ensuring success

Earning an instrument rating is a rewarding experience that will give you confidence and make your pilot’s license more powerful. Here's how to get off to a fast start on your training.

Choosing the best IFR route — Advanced IFR, by PilotWorkshops

Follow along on this scenario-based IFR route selection exercise as we plan a flight from Oceana, CA (L52) to Monterey, CA (KMRY) using ForeFlight Route Advisor.
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Save now on Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course and other products for IFR Month

As IFR Month continues at Sporty's, you can save now on Sporty's Instrument Rating Course - now $249.  Ace your FAA written test, save money during flight training, and become a better pilot with Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course.
IFR

Transitioning to IFR flying with an Instrument Rating

An Instrument Rating will provide more freedom, confidence, and utility for your Private Pilot certificate as you no longer limited to VFR conditions. Not only will you have the skills and confidence for flying in more diverse weather conditions, and solely by reference to instruments, but instrument flying will introduce more precise flying.

Introduction to airplane flight instruments (video tip)

The flight deck of every airplane includes a collection of flight instruments that display important information, like airspeed, altitude, heading and turn information. In this video we’ll go over the standard 6 instruments you’ll find in a Cessna 172 and how to interpret their indications.

A Comprehensive Guide to the FAA Knowledge Test

The FAA utilizes a third-party testing provider, PSI Services, to administer all written exams. PSI exams are available at a number of testing locations throughout the US and abroad and can be scheduled online.
View of landing runway with reduced visibility.

Arrival Alert Notices now part of Chart Supplement (A/FD)

The Arrival Alert Notice (AAN) became effective January 25 in the FAA Chart Supplement (formerly the A/FD). These Arrival Alert Notices are graphics visually depicting the approach to a particular airport with a history of aircraft misalignment.
multiengine

Video tip: How to take off and land in a multiengine airplane

Earning a multiengine rating can open up a world of adventure, from reliable cross country travel to new career options. Our latest video tip includes a segment from Sporty's new Multiengine Training Course, to give you a feel for the steps to safely operate a multiengine airplane on a normal VFR flight, from startup to landing.

Soft Field Takeoff – Flight Maneuver Spotlight

The soft-field takeoff technique will be required when departing from runway surfaces made of grass or dirt and will allow you to keep as much weight off the nose wheel as possible during the takeoff roll.