All posts tagged IFR

Cloud Clearance: The Point and Wait Trick

By | August 18, 2009 | Flying Tips | 11 Comments
Cloud-Avoidance

It’s a good idea to avoid the clouds as much as possible. For IFR pilots, you’ll typically find a smoother ride in the clear. VFR pilots have no choice on the matter: per cloud-clearance rules, it’s the law! But what about that cloud out on the horizon? You don’t need a Sporty’s sight-level to tell if you’re going to hit that puffy cumulus up ahead. All you need is a finger! Read more…

Plan Ahead For the Missed Approach

By | July 23, 2009 | Flight Training | 2 Comments

From the early days of instrument training, we are taught to expect to go missed at the conclusion of an instrument approach. I think we all understand why: the point is not to get too cocky, and to remind yourself that minimums are just that: minimums. Point well taken, but when things get real are you actually prepared to fly the missed approach? Read more…

Thunderstorm Avoidance The Old Fashioned Way

By | July 1, 2009 | Advanced Flying | 3 Comments

Summer is upon us and with it comes the inevitable thunderstorm. This is especially true in the Southeast where the forecast for “vicinity thunderstorms” dominates nearly every TAF. Thunderstorms don’t always have to spell out a cancelled flight, but proper thunderstorm avoidance requires a heightened level of awareness from us as pilots. Read more…

Holding Pattern Entries Made Easy!

By | May 19, 2009 | Flight Training | 22 Comments
holdpattern

I’m sure all of you IFR types know the drill. ATC assigns you a holding pattern and it is up to you to enter that hold in one of three ways: parallel, direct, or teardrop. Which entry do you choose? Well it all depends upon your intercept angle with the holding pattern… or something like that. Truth be told, I have no idea! But wait, how can you fly a holding pattern if you can’t do the mental math to compute your entry? It’s quite simple really: I do it visually. Read more…

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