PilotWorkshops’ Guide to Visual Approaches for IFR Pilots

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Controllers need at least 500 feet cloud clearance above the MVA to vector an aircraft on a visual. There are workarounds. A controller can drive someone on a downwind for a published approach — that’s not a vector for a visual — but know they’ll likely report the field in sight and can hop off on a visual. Remember, if you’re cleared for a published approach, you can’t spontaneously switch to a visual.

S-Turns Across a Road—Sporty’s Flight Maneuver Spotlight

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An S-Turn across a road is a flight training maneuver where a pilot flies their aircraft across a straight road, performing a series of coordinated turns in opposite directions, effectively drawing an "S" pattern on the ground, demonstrating their ability to manage wind drift and adjust bank angles while maintaining a consistent ground track.

Webinar Video: How to Ace Your FAA Instrument Written

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The FAA Instrument Written is the source of plenty of angst and stress for IFR pilots. But not to worry as this webinar presentation we'll show you how to use reliable study methods and advanced learning features within Sporty's Instrument Rating Course, including Aviation Intelligence℠ (AI).

IFR Insights Episode 3: Ride along on an IFR cross-country to Daytona Beach with Spencer Suderman

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Have you ever wondered what it's like to plan and fly an IFR flight? Join Spencer Suderman as he does just that, on a flight from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach, FL. You'll learn about the entire process, starting with filing a flight plan in ForeFlight to retrieving an IFR clearance from ATC, en-route navigation, and how to fly the instrument approach at the destination.

IFR Holding Procedures Explained: A Pilot’s Guide to Holding Patterns

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Maximum holding speeds in knots indicated airspeed (KIAS) have been designated for specific altitude ranges. Often pilots can avoid flying a holding pattern or reduce the length of time spent in the holding pattern, by slowing down on the way to the holding fix.

FAA Publishes Updated AIM—Basic Manual Effective February 20, 2025

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This change moves the cautionary statement “Line Up and Wait (LUAW) is not an authorization to takeoff” to the first paragraph for emphasis. This change also adds a note advising readers of the increased number of instances where pilots correctly read back LUAW instructions yet depart without a takeoff clearance. It reminds pilots of the need for vigilance during LUAW operations.