This lesson is a quick overview of the airway system in the United States. Airways are the "highways in the sky" that connect each point in the United States. Airways tell air traffic controllers where we are going and how we are going to get there. Without airways, all aircraft would be free to amble their way across the country on their own and in their own direction. Most … [Read more...] about An Overview of Airways
Flying Instruments
Jeppesen vs. NACO (FAA) Approach Charts
** Spoiler Alert ** I'm a huge fan of Jeppesen instrument charts. I learned how to fly instruments using Jeppesen charts, and I continue to use Jeppesen charts every day at work. This video is biased toward Jeppesen however I hope it clearly shows the differences between the two chart products. --- One of the first challenges facing any instrument student is what chart … [Read more...] about Jeppesen vs. NACO (FAA) Approach Charts
The 5 Most Important Briefing Items on an Approach Chart
Ask 100 pilots to give an approach briefing and you will get 100 different briefs. Here are the 5 essential elements that I have come up with for briefing each approach I fly. As a rule I brief everything on the chart, but these items are what I make sure to emphasize to ensure a successful outcome. (Note: this is not intended to be everything needed to safely fly an approach, … [Read more...] about The 5 Most Important Briefing Items on an Approach Chart
Approach Plate Minima (Minimums)
The minima section of the instrument approach chart gives the pilot the complete set of descent minimums and visibility criteria for the procedure to be flown. The information provided includes all minimum altitudes for the approach, minimum visibility required to start the approach, heights above touchdown, and heights above the airport. Depending on the type of … [Read more...] about Approach Plate Minima (Minimums)
Approach Plate Profile View
The profile view of the instrument approach chart gives the pilot a side view of the approach procedure to be flown. The information provided includes all minimum altitudes for the approach, approach course, step-down fixes, final approach fix, and missed approach information. Depending on the chart much more information is provided and understanding the profile view … [Read more...] about Approach Plate Profile View