New IFR Mastery Scenario:The End Is Niagara?

What would you do if an engine problem developed in actual IMC but the nearest airport wasn’t necessarily your safest option?

That’s the dilemma in this month’s IFR Mastery scenario from PilotWorkshops, The End Is Niagara?, featuring instructor Martin Pauly.

You’re flying your RV-14 with your new spouse toward Niagara Falls when the engine suddenly begins running rough in IMC. One cylinder’s EGT and CHT are dropping rapidly, and your troubleshooting attempts don’t solve the problem. The nearest airport is only 10 miles away, but the instrument approach could leave you below glide range over hilly terrain. Better weather and potentially better options lie farther ahead.

Where would you go?

Watch the free scenario briefing below and make your decision.

There isn’t always one “right” answer

One of the most valuable aspects of instrument flying is learning to recognize the tradeoffs behind every decision. Often, the challenge isn’t knowing how to fly an approach—it’s deciding which approach offers the greatest margin of safety given the conditions.

That’s exactly what IFR Mastery is designed to develop. Each month, PilotWorkshops presents a new real-world IFR scenario that puts you in the pilot’s seat. You’ll evaluate the situation, make your decision, and then—inside the full program—compare your thinking with experienced instructors as they explain the factors that influenced their choice.

Think you’ve made the right call?

Watch the free scenario briefing above, then start a free 30-day trial to access the complete scenario, instructor analysis, and the complete library of VFR and IFR Mastery scenarios.

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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)

• New IFR Mastery Scenario:The End Is Niagara? - September 4, 2026
• Ask the IFR Expert: How Often Should I Hand Fly? - August 28, 2026
• New IFR Mastery Scenario: Which Approach Would You Request? - August 21, 2026