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Video Tip: Flying to an MDA with the Autopilot
In this video, Bruce Williams demonstrates one technique for flying the RNAV (GPS) Runway 27 approach into Port Angeles, Washington. Using a Garmin GFC 600 autopilot, he shows how to level off at the MDA while allowing the autopilot to maintain lateral guidance, reducing workload as the airplane continues toward the missed approach point.
August 11, 2026/by Bruce WilliamsWhat’s Wrong? Flying the RNAV 24 at Toledo in a Bonanza
Welcome back to What’s Wrong?—our interactive aviation challenge where the clues are in plain sight, just like in real flying. This time, you’re about to cross FISUS for the Hold in Lieu of Procedure Turn on the RNAV (GPS) Runway 24 approach at Toledo. The GPS annunciates a teardrop entry for the hold, so that’s what you’ll do. Watch the video and try to see what’s wrong.
August 7, 2026/by Jeff Van WestWhen Automation Surprises You
The arrival into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) looked routine. Our…
August 4, 2026/by Eric RadtkeInstrument 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.
July 29, 2026/by Eric RadtkeQuiz: IFR Departures
This month's quiz tests your knowledge of IFR departures, from obstacle departure procedures and standard instrument departures to departure clearances and real-world ATC expectations. These five questions highlight situations that instrument pilots encounter regularly.
July 24, 2026/by IFR Focus TeamNew AIM Now Available, Highlights a Simple Way to Improve IFR Proficiency
The FAA has released Change 3 to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), effective July 9, 2026. While this update includes only a handful of revisions, it's a good reminder to make sure you're always referencing the latest guidance—and Sporty's makes that easy.
July 21, 2026/by Eric RadtkeODP Versus VCOA (Visual Climb Over Airport)
Every airport that has a published instrument approach has also been surveyed for departures. It’s assumed that an aircraft will cross the departure end of the runway (DER) at 35 feet AGL, and climb to 400 feet AGL on runway heading, with a climb gradient of 200 feet per NM.
July 15, 2026/by Jeff Van WestWebinar Video: Understanding Vertical Guidance on IFR Approaches with Bruce Williams
Join instructor instructor and IFR Focus contributing author Bruce Williams as he explains the three primary types of vertical guidance used on today's IFR approaches.
July 13, 2026/by IFR Focus TeamNew IFR Mastery Scenario: Which Risk Will You Accept?
After an easy VFR flight to Oregon, the return trip home presents a very different picture. Marginal weather has moved in, headwinds have picked up, and every available route comes with tradeoffs. Do you fly direct over the mountains? Follow the airways? Take a longer route with better weather but more challenging terrain? Or simply wait another day?
July 10, 2026/by Eric RadtkeInto the Clouds: Hazards in Your Head
The ability to take off into the clouds is a great use of instrument privileges. As with any phase of flight, departures are made safer by knowing the risks. Those include spatial disorientation, which can be managed well with the knowledge and skills you need for "logging actual."
July 7, 2026/by Elaine Kauh