Fly a contact approach from Pilot Workshops

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3 Comments
A contact approach is probably the most versatile—and most underutilized—IFR tool. Like a visual approach, you’ll navigate to the airport visually and must remain clear of clouds with no minimum cloud distance. Unlike a visual approach, it only requires 1 SM visibility reported at the airport and you don’t need the airport in sight.

Flying an instrument approach in IMC with Spencer Suderman

Welcome to Sporty’s new IFR Insights Series, hosted by Spencer Suderman. Spencer is an airshow pilot and instrument flight instructor and will show what it's like to fly IFR cross-country trips and instrument approaches. In this first episode, Spencer flies an RNAV approach through rain showers and a low cloud layer into St. Augustine, FL, in a G1000-equipped Cessna 172.

Test Your Knowledge with This IFR Acronyms Quiz

Can you define all these IFR aviation acronyms?

Round Out Your Pilot Skills with an Instrument Rating

Instrument flying certification and skills can be something that a pilot can use even on good VFR weather flying days. The process, and the skill set that comes with being an instrument pilot, and even a proficient one, can be a set of tools that makes any flight safer and more predictable.

Choosing an IFR arrival procedure (STAR) — Advanced IFR, by Pilot Workshops

STARs may have mandatory speeds and/or crossing altitudes published. Other STARs may have planning information depicted to inform pilots what clearances or restrictions to “expect.” Learn to the nuances of selecting an appropriate STAR from Pilot Workshops.

Instrument Flying (IFR) FAQs – top questions this week

Sporty's CFI team is answering a series of IFR-related questions, or FAQs. Questions are answered daily on the IFR Month homepage.

IFR holding pattern interactive scenarios

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1 Comment
Instrument-rated pilots are required to perform and log holding procedures at least once every six months, along with six instrument approaches and intercepting/tracking navigation courses to maintain IFR currency. Most pilots hit their peak of holding proficiency during instrument training, but the details tend to fade over time since holding procedures are rarely flown.

Planning an IFR departure

Departure procedures are designed primarily to provide obstacle clearance and should be used when published.  These procedures come in two varieties:  Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) and Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs).

Sporty’s webinar video: How to Pass the FAA Instrument Written

We'll show how to use tried and true study methods using Sporty's Instrument Rating Course to make the process an engaging and meaningful learning experience, and not just another exercise in rote memorization.

3 holding scenarios to perfect in a flight simulator

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1 Comment
You can practice all these maneuvers effectively in a flight simulator, where you can add winds and keep sharp for the times you may need to perform a hold in a slightly different context than just going missed. Challenge yourself to maintain your situational awareness and workload during these sessions.