All posts tagged IFR

Fly the Visual Approach, Backed Up by the ILS

By | March 12, 2009 | Flying Tips | 3 Comments

How often do you shoot an instrument approach? Chances are that it is not very often. Most of us have the good sense to stay out of the weather when conditions are marginal. Furthermore, in most parts of the world, the weather is usually conducive to a visual approach. This is good news for VFR pilots, but it can make the instrument rated aviator more than a bit rusty. Read more…

Ten Simple Tips for Dealing With ATC

By | February 14, 2009 | Flight Training | No comments

Contrary to popular belief, air traffic controllers do not have hooves and pitchforks. Nothing befumbles private pilots more than communicating with air traffic control. Many of us simply don’t fly ‘in the system’ often enough to be comfortable with the lingo, while others have a genuine fear of messing up a radio call. Read on for a few simple tips to help you in your communication with ATC. Read more…

How Flying Slow Can Save Time

By | January 30, 2009 | Advanced Flying | 2 Comments

Sometimes it pays to pull the power back and take your time. In fact, sometimes it can save an awful lot of time.

I was operating a flight from Chattanooga to Memphis on a foggy winter day. I had been flying this trip all month, and the flight had become quite routine. Today, the weather put a slight kink in our plans. The latest forecast read as follows: Read more…

Meet That Crossing Restriction!

By | January 26, 2009 | Flying Tips | No comments

“N5678, cross LTOWN at and maintain one-zero thousand feet.” Center just issued you a crossing restriction. You are expected to plan and initiate your descent so as to cross some point at a given altitude. You are cruising at 300 knots 100 miles from LTOWN at flight level 240. When will you initiate your descent? Just how quickly do you need to come down? Read more…

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