Note: This lesson uses a 2-4 degree rule of thumb for adjusting heading and radial. I know that the often taught method is "twist 10 turn 10" but for this lesson I chose to use the method outlined in the Instrument Flying Handbook just for standardization. DME Arcs may seem scary to new instrument pilots, but given a few quick and easy tips they can be as easy as tracking any … [Read more...] about How To Intercept and Fly DME Arcs
plates
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 Airport Diagram
The airport diagram section of the instrument approach chart gives the pilot the complete overview of the airport he or she is flying to. The information provided includes airport elevation, runway layouts, lighting, runway lengths, approach path, and approach timing. All of this information is critical if the pilot intends to break out and land at the runway, since … [Read more...] about Approach Plate Airport Diagram
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
Approach Plate Pilot Briefing
Now that you've seen what's available in the margin data of an approach plate, it's time to look at the pilot brief section of your chart. The pilot brief section may be the most important part of your approach plate. This section has all of the essential information you need to actually fly the approach. The three elements of the pilot brief section are: Approach course and … [Read more...] about Approach Plate Pilot Briefing