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The art of instrument approaches – 7 tips for proficient flying
Instrument training is demanding, but at its most basic the goal is quite simple: keep the wings level and the needles crossed. Do that a few times with an examiner and you can pass the checkride. But if your goal is to use your instrument rating for real (and do it safely), there's a lot more to consider.

RNAV/GPS Instrument Approach Tips – LPV, LNAV+V and more (video tip)
Learn how to fly RNAV approaches like a pro in Sporty's latest IFR video tip.

What’s in an approach category?
Aircraft fall into one of five approach categories (A-E) based on the aircraft's target final approach speed, or reference speed (Vref). If this speed is not published for the aircraft, then a speed of 1.3 times the stall speed.

Mastering Approach Lighting Systems: Insights and Scenarios for Instrument Pilots
Approach light systems are a configuration of signal lights starting at the landing threshold and extending into the approach area, at a distance of 2,400 to 3,000 feet for precision instrument runways, and 1,400 to 1,500 feet for non-precision instrument runways. Some systems include sequenced flashing lights which appear to the pilot as a ball of light traveling towards the runway at high speed—nicknamed the rabbit.

Keeping One Step Ahead of ATC when flying IFR
The two most useful benefits have been ADS-B datalink weather and a real-time traffic display in the cockpit, delivered by the network of ADS-B ground stations in the U.S. These free services are available to pilots of all aircraft types (even drones) thanks to the widespread availability of inexpensive, portable ADS-B receivers and rapid developments in mobile app and panel-mount avionics technology.
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