This lesson explores the different types of IFR altitudes charted on an Enroute Low Altitude Chart. The types of altitudes most commonly found on the low altitude chart are the Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA), Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude (MOCA), Minimum Crossing Altitude, Minimum Reception Altitude, Maximum Authorized Altitude, and Off Route Obstruction Clearance … [Read more...] about Charted IFR Altitudes
Lessons
Approach Plate Plan View
Now that we've covered the pilot brief section of the approach chart, it's time to move on to the plan view. The plan view of the instrument approach chart gives the pilot a "bird's eye" view of the approach procedure to be flown. The information provided includes, approach course, navaid frequencies, intersections, terrain data, and missed approach information. … [Read more...] about Approach Plate Plan View
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
Holding Basics
Holding is considered one of the most difficult things to learn when flying instruments. Any holding pattern includes the same four basic elements: Holding Fix Holding Course Outbound Heading Inbound / Outbound Ends Each element of the holding pattern is just a simple heading or course intercept, just like normal IFR flying. The holding fix is the point where the … [Read more...] about Holding Basics
Determining Holding Entries
Holding entries are considered by many students to be the most difficult item to learn while flying instruments. Determining the proper entry requires situational awareness and an understanding of how the entry sectors are divided. There are three types of holding entries: Parallel Teardrop Direct To understand each entry sector, let's think of holding in terms of a … [Read more...] about Determining Holding Entries