What’s in an approach category?
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.
July 1, 2025/by Eric RadtkeMastering Approach Lighting Systems: Insights and Scenarios for Instrument Pilots
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.
June 27, 2025/by Eric RadtkeKeeping One Step Ahead of ATC when flying IFR
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.
June 24, 2025/by Bret KoebbeInstrument Maneuver Spotlight: Approach Brief
Before every instrument approach, a well-executed brief is essential for staying ahead of the airplane and ensuring a safe, stable arrival. This month’s spotlight focuses on the Approach Brief, a concise but structured review of critical approach elements including navigation, altitudes, and missed approach procedures. This briefing sets the tone for precision and preparedness in IMC.
June 23, 2025/by Eric RadtkePractical IFR: “Cleared to Intercept?” A Common IFR Dilemma
You haven’t been cleared for the approach, but the needle is alive and time is short. Learn how to handle this tricky IFR moment without risking a violation—or a missed approach.
June 17, 2025/by Jeff Van WestTest Your Knowledge with This IFR Acronyms Quiz
Can you define all these IFR aviation acronyms?
June 13, 2025/by Chris Clarke8 IFR SOPs That Could Save Your Life
Do you fly with SOPs? Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are commonly used in the corporate and airline flying world as a way of formalizing the do's and don'ts of a flight department and making sure every pilot follows the same procedures. I'm generally suspicious of SOPs in life, because they limit your ability to be flexible and react creatively to life's inevitable changes (we all like our freedom). But when it comes to IFR flying, I believe SOPs are a critical safety tool.
June 10, 2025/by John ZimmermanVideo Tip: Filing an IFR Flight Plan? Here’s What Matters Most to ATC
Most of the information filed in an IFR flight plan is based on weather forecasts that are released well before your wheels ever leave the ground. Here's a look at what parts of the flight plan actually matter to ATC so that you know how to react if and when the weather conditions don't match the forecast.
June 6, 2025/by IFR Focus TeamWelcome to IFR Focus: Sharpen Your Skills, Master the System
IFR Focus is a new destination dedicated entirely to the art and science of flying in the system. Whether you’re an experienced IFR pilot looking to stay sharp or a student climbing toward that checkride, you’ll find practical content here to help you fly safer, smoother, and smarter.
May 30, 2025/by Eric RadtkeHow to set up aircraft equipment codes in aviation apps to file IFR flight plans
Filing a VFR or IFR flight plan today is a breeze when using an aviation app like ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot, since the File function is integrated right into both apps' standard flight planning features. The one area related to this, which can be slightly confusing though, is entering all the correct aircraft equipment codes when you go to file.
May 16, 2025/by Bret Koebbe