Sim Challenge: There And Back Again

For this inaugural Sim Challenge let’s just make it a nice short flight from White Plains, New York (KHPN) to Danbury, Connecticut (KDXR). At 21nm from start to finish, there isn’t much time for things to go wrong, or much time at all, really. And therein lies the rub. We typically estimate the subjective challenge of a flight to be proportional with the length of the flight. When it comes to weather flying, performance considerations, and fatigue management, there’s certainly something to be said for that.

Departure Planning for IFR Pilots: Risk Management Tips

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Departures can be one of the riskiest phases of flight, especially in instrument conditions (IMC) or mountainous terrain. Even experienced pilots benefit from a structured approach to departure planning that accounts for terrain, obstacles, aircraft performance, and weather.

Chart Smart: low altitude IFR enroute chart intersection symbol

Think you know your IFR charts? In our “Chart Smart” series, we’ll put your instrument knowledge to the test with real examples from approach plates and en route charts—then break down what each symbol really means.

IFR Focus Video: SmartCharts in Action on a June Gloom Flight

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Veteran instructor and author Bruce Williams takes us along on an IFR flight from Bellingham, WA (KBLI) to Bremerton (KPWT) in his Bonanza, using Garmin SmartCharts in the Garmin Pilot app. This quick 30-minute hop showcases how SmartCharts declutter complex procedures—like the KLSHN TWO RNAV departure—and make it easier to visualize key information in real time. Along the way, Bruce flies the RNAV (GPS) RWY 20 approach through the clouds, offering practical tips on procedure loading and approach setup.

Electronic Flight Bags—Legal Briefing

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For instrument-rated pilots, an iPad or other electronic flight bag (EFB) isn’t just a convenience—it’s a fully legal replacement for paper charts in most Part 91 operations. Staying current with the FAA’s rules and guidance is an important part of maintaining IFR proficiency, and understanding the legal framework helps you use your digital tools confidently.

Instrument Maneuver Spotlight: Radar Vectored Instument Approach

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When ATC takes control of your headings and altitudes, precision and anticipation are key. In this spotlight, we’ll cover how to fly an instrument approach using radar vectors from ATC—maintaining communication discipline, staying ahead of the airplane, and managing configuration and speed changes.