Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Approach Brief

Welcome to the latest edition of the Instrument Maneuver Spotlight series. Here we’ll highlight the various maneuvers you’ll practice during your instrument training and be expected to demonstrate during your checkride.

Managing IFR workload starts long before reaching the final approach fix. A thorough approach brief helps pilots organize critical information, anticipate what’s ahead, and reduce distractions during one of the busiest phases of flight. This month’s Maneuver Spotlight reviews the Approach Brief, a proven technique for staying ahead of the airplane and flying a more stable, predictable instrument approach.

Each maneuver is part of Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course and includes a narrated video animation, along with step-by-step instructions that include performance standards and common errors. Study them while on the ground or print them for quick reference in the airplane.

The flight maneuver is from Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Eric Radtke

It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. "While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice." Eric earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. He learned to fly at Sporty’s as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program, an initiative he later directed.Eric now manages Sporty’s media network including IFRFocus.com. In addition, Eric serves as a Captain in a Cincinnati-based corporate flight department.

Latest posts by Eric Radtke (see all)

• Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Approach Brief - July 29, 2026
• New AIM Now Available, Highlights a Simple Way to Improve IFR Proficiency - July 21, 2026
• New IFR Mastery Scenario: Which Risk Will You Accept? - July 10, 2026