The Art of IFR

The Practical Test Standards for the instrument instructor state “… the applicant shall select either the primary and supporting or the control and performance method of teaching…” But the fact of the matter is that the good instrument pilot uses both techniques at different phases of instrument flight, either individually or in various combinations thereof. This presentation will discuss both techniques and how, when and why we use them.

What does it mean to be situationally aware and how can we expand this critical skill set? We'll take at the numbers, weather risks, tools and variety of things to consider on an IFR flight.

As pilot in command (PIC) you are ultimately responsible for the instrument approach you fly. Flying that approach is more than just briefing the numbers on the approach plate. Regardless the type of approach, we'll present an enhanced, situationally aware way to brief it.

You're headed from Redding to Arcata, California for a business meeting. Leaving KRDD it’s VFR, but the TAFs are calling for LIFR all along the Northern California coast. So you'll need to be on your game for the arrival. Your Cessna 172 is full of fuel and you’re the only one on board. It's just you and your briefcase. Meet your CFI at the sim and arrive prepared. Remember, this mission is a scenario. The instructor will be there for you, but as a mentor, not a teacher. You’ve got all the information you need for this trip and everything is your call. Good luck. Today, you are Pilot in Command.