Mastering the Localizer (and Back Course)

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Mastering back course approaches is an exercise in situational awareness and instrumentation discipline. Pilots who don’t understand reverse sensing can easily find themselves drifting further from the intended path while chasing a misleading CDI.

Why Real-World Missed Approaches Feel So Hard

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Despite the of precision WAAS approaches, real-time weather apps, and dependable automation, the missed approach hasn’t gone away—it’s just become rarer and, for many pilots, more difficult. In that way, it's a maneuver that tests not just your stick and rudder skills, but your mindset. This article, based on a real-world go-around, shares six rules that can help you stay sharp and stay safe when the unexpected happens.

Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Non-precision Approach

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Unlike precision approaches that offer vertical guidance, nonprecision approaches require the pilot to manage descent rates and timing without the aid of a glide slope. This maneuver demands strong situational awareness, precise altitude control, and effective use of available navigation equipment—all essential skills for IFR proficiency.

Practical IFR: Does Your Approach Use the Wrong Minimums?

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It’s visibility that controls whether we can land or not. While on paper that's a number we have or don't, it’s not so simple in real life. We must make a rapid judgment call—sometimes based on a glance—as to whether we're getting enough visual information to call the flight visibility half a mile. Or three-quarters of a mile, or two miles, or whatever.

Quiz: IFR Approach Chart Symbols

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Understanding a terminal procedures publication is key to completing a successful flight under instrument flight rules. How well can you interpret all the codes and symbols on an IFR approach chart?

The art of instrument approaches – 7 tips for proficient flying

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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)

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Learn how to fly RNAV approaches like a pro in Sporty's latest IFR video tip.

What’s in an approach category?

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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

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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

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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.