Instrument Flying (IFR) FAQs – top questions this week

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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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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

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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).

3 holding scenarios to perfect in a flight simulator

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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.

Choosing the best IFR departure procedure (SID) — Advanced IFR, by Pilot Workshops

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SIDs are air traffic control procedures created to provide obstruction clearance and a transition from the terminal area to the en route structure. This helps reduce both pilot and controller workload and enhance safety. Multiple SIDs may be published for a particular airport.

RNAV Circling Approach and Procedure Turn at Cecil, FL – Sporty’s IFR Insights with Spencer Suderman

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In this episode, ride along with Spencer in a G1000-equipped Cessna 172 as he flies a full RNAV circle-to-land approach with a holding pattern course reversal into Cecil, FL.

Chart Smart: IFR Enroute Low Altitude Chart airport depictions

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What is the significance of the Mount Vernon Municipal Airport (2MO) being depicted in brown versus the Monett Regional Airport (HFJ) being depicted in green?

Choosing the best IFR route — Advanced IFR, by PilotWorkshops

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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.

Transitioning to IFR flying with an Instrument Rating

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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.
ATC controller

Details matter in ATC clearances

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When reading back your clearance, don’t leave out pertinent details – Students often look for ways to shorten their read back to ATC.  Although there is nothing wrong with this practice, early student mistakes are normally made when they omit key details.