Practical tips, scenarios, and tools for IFR pilots : IFR Focus

LATEST POSTS

Video Tip: Required IFR Reports

April 3, 2026

/

Even in an era of advanced avionics and near-constant radar coverage, IFR flying still depends on clear, timely communication with ATC. Some reports are expected as part of the normal flow of a flight, but others are specifically required. In this video tip, we’ll break down the key IFR reports every pilot needs to know, including when to speak up, what to say, and how these calls help keep the system running safely and efficiently.

Why Advisory Glideslope +V Can Get You in Trouble

March 31, 2026

/

0 Comments

On WAAS-equipped GPS units, many non-precision approaches (like LNAV or LP) will display LNAV+V or LP+V. That “+V” indicates advisory vertical guidance—an internally generated glidepath from the final approach fix (FAF) to the runway. It’s designed to help you fly a continuous descent final approach—a safer, more stabilized alternative to the old “dive and drive” technique. That’s the good news.

Try These New FAA Questions

March 25, 2026

/

0 Comments

How well do you really know your instrument flying procedures? Here are 5 of the newest FAA-style questions, recently added to Sporty’s comprehensive online Instrument Rating Course. They’re designed to make you think like an IFR pilot—whether you’re prepping for a rating or just keeping your skills sharp.

Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Intercepting and Tracking VOR Radials

March 20, 2026

/

0 Comments

Whether you’re joining an airway, flying direct, or correcting for wind en route to the next fix, this maneuver is at the core of traditional IFR navigation. In this spotlight, we’ll break down how to properly tune and identify the VOR, set the desired radial, choose an appropriate intercept angle, and smoothly transition to accurate tracking

Practical IFR: Behold the Power of Uninterrupted Descents

March 17, 2026

/

2 Comments

“Descend and maintain” is such a staple of IFR communications…

Quiz: IFR Navigation

March 13, 2026

/

0 Comments

Modern IFR flying relies heavily on GPS, but that doesn’t mean the fundamentals of IFR navigation have gone away. Between NOTAMs about GPS interference, legacy ground-based navaids, and the occasional ATC instruction that references victor airways or VOR radials, instrument pilots still need a solid understanding of how the entire navigation system works.

Videos

Quizzes

Practical IFR

Approaches

LATEST POSTS

VIDEOS

QUIZZES

ARTICLES

WEBINARS

IFR TRAINING

TOOLS & TECH

RESOURCES

Email Subscription

Recent Articles