All 10 /Approach and Arrival 1 /Ask a CFI 1 /IFR Training 0 /News 1 /PilotWorkshops 1 /Practical IFR 1 /Procedures and Regulations 3 /Quiz 1 /Resources 0 /Sim Challenge 0 /Techniques and Maneuvers 2 /Technology and Tools 0 /Test questions 0 /Uncategorized 0 /Videos 2 /Weather and Decision Making 3 /webinars 0
A New Take on Alternates
Thunderstorms don’t always follow the forecast, and a traditional IFR alternate may not be enough when plans change quickly. In this article, Elaine Kaugh introduces the concept of “safe havens”—a more flexible way to think about diversions that prioritizes options, fuel, and reduced stress in the cockpit.
May 12, 2026/by Elaine KauhVideo Tip: Flying with Datalink Weather
Weather is one of the biggest advantages of modern IFR flying—but only if you understand what you’re really looking at. Datalink weather has transformed the cockpit, putting radar, METARs, and forecasts right at your fingertips. But not all datalink weather is created equal. In this video tip, we’ll break down the two primary sources—ADS-B and SiriusXM—highlight how each system delivers its information.
May 8, 2026/by IFR Focus TeamHow to Choose the Best Alternate Airport for Your IFR Flight: A Pilot’s Guide
Keep an eye on the weather as you approach the destination, using both ADS-B datalink weather, and by tuning in the local ATIS/AWOS on the radio. If it looks like the weather will be near the minimums for the approach, it is time to start thinking about what the best alternate airport will be based on the current weather. If it still looks like the planned alternate is the best option, go for it.
May 5, 2026/by Bret KoebbeVideo Tip: Cruise Clearance
One of the most misunderstood clearances in instrument flying is the cruise clearance, which gives pilots more freedom than a standard “maintain” altitude assignment. In this video tip, we’ll break down what a cruise clearance really means, how it changes your responsibilities in the cockpit, and when you can take advantage of this unique tool to simplify your flight.
April 29, 2026/by IFR Focus TeamOff-Route IFR Altitudes: Why OROCA Isn’t Enough
OROCAs are often misunderstood as a “safe” minimum altitude for IFR flight—but they’re not regulatory and don’t meet IFR obstacle clearance requirements. Here’s how to determine the correct minimum altitude when flying off-route, and why it matters.
April 24, 2026/by Paul JurgensInstrument Maneuver Spotlight: Missed Approach from a Circling
Few scenarios demand quicker thinking than a missed approach from a circling approach. You’re low, close to the airport, and transitioning from visual references back to instruments all while not aligned with the runway. In this spotlight, we’ll show you how to execute the maneuver smoothly and within standards.
April 21, 2026/by IFR Focus TeamIFR Challenge: Anticipation Near Anaheim
In this sample IFR Mastery scenario, you're in the cockpit of a pilot flying a Trinidad on a short IFR trip in Southern California. Cleared on a TEC route, the departure includes a turn to the PDZ VOR—but stronger winds increase groundspeed and trigger early GPS turn anticipation. With the airplane ready to turn before the fix and no contact with ATC, you’re forced to make a quick decision.
April 16, 2026/by Pilot WorkshopsPractial IFR: Have a Speed-to-Fly for Emergencies in IMC
One refinement that rarely gets taught is adjusting best glide speed (Vbg) for changes in weight and wind. In a glider, if you’re heading back to the airport with a headwind, you can’t just open the throttle to make up for lost groundspeed. Instead, you pitch down to speed up. A lot. In fact, you might add 20 knots to your best glide (L/Dmax) speed to counter a 20-knot headwind.
April 14, 2026/by Jeff Van WestQuiz: IFR Emergencies
This quiz explores key concepts around IFR emergencies, from deviations and communication failures to fuel status and how situations are classified. Some of these questions are straightforward, while others highlight the nuance in how regulations are applied in real-world scenarios. See how well you understand the procedures that keep pilots safe when the unexpected happens.
April 10, 2026/by IFR Focus TeamThe IFR Emergency You Didn’t Train For
When most pilots think about IFR emergencies, the mind immediately jumps to the big ones: engine failures, engine fires, pressurization issues—high-consequence events that dominate simulator sessions and recurrent training. We rehearse these scenarios repeatedly, building muscle memory and confidence that if something catastrophic happens, we’ll respond correctly. But in the real world, not every emergency announces itself with sirens and smoke.
April 7, 2026/by James Onieal