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
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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
Straight in Approach vs. Straight in Landing
What's the difference? You make a straight in approach to a straight in landing, right? No so fast. While these two terms seem to be nearly identical they actually have a completely different meaning. Straight-In Approach: An instrument approach wherein final approach is begun without first having executed a procedure turn Not necessarily completed with a straight-in … [Read more...] about Straight in Approach vs. Straight in Landing
Approach Plate Margin Data
Now that you've seen an overview of approach plate basics, it's time to dive in to the individual components of an approach plate. This lesson starts with the margin data. Many pilots dismiss the margin data on FAA approach plates as simply being the airport name and the name of the approach they are going to fly. While those two important items are on every plate, there is a … [Read more...] about Approach Plate Margin Data
Approach Plate Basics
Understanding Instrument Approach Charts is a fundamental skill of instrument flying. Without approach charts, landing in an instrument environment becomes impossible. Let's start building that foundation and learn what the major components of an approach plate are, and what information can be found on each plate. Every standard FAA Approach Plates are divided into six … [Read more...] about Approach Plate Basics