Practical IFR: Understanding the Transitions
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (KBZN) RNAV and ILS…
January 20, 2026/by Jeff Van WestVideo: IFR Cross-Country with Spencer Suderman
Join CFI-I Spencer Suderman for a real-world IFR cross-country from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach, Florida, flown in a G1000-equipped Cessna 172. From preflight planning and filing in ForeFlight to copying a clearance, flying in the system, and executing an RNAV approach at the destination, this is a complete, end-to-end look at how everyday IFR flying actually works.
January 16, 2026/by IFR Focus TeamThe Anti-PIC
Staying IFR current doesn’t guarantee proficiency. This article explains how to flip the script—putting proficiency first so currency takes care of itself, without the stress of constant IPCs.
January 13, 2026/by Elaine KauhIcing: Awareness, Avoidance, and the IFR Pilot’s Escape Plan
Icing isn’t subtle—and it isn’t forgiving. In this IFR Focus article, veteran CFII and safety advocate Parvez Dara explains how aircraft icing forms, why it remains one of the most dangerous threats to IFR pilots, and how quickly conditions can deteriorate in the wrong temperature band. Drawing on decades of experience, he walks through real-world encounters with rime and clear ice and outlines practical escape strategies.
January 9, 2026/by Parvez DaraA New Year, a Sharper Focus: Practical Strategies for Maintaining Instrument Proficiency
January is a natural reset point for pilots. Logbooks flip to a new page and many of us quietly resolve to be better in the cockpit this year. For instrument pilots, that resolution often comes down to one word: proficiency.
January 6, 2026/by Eric RadtkeChoosing the Best IFR Route — Advanced IFR, by PilotWorkshops
Follow along on this scenario-based IFR route selection exercise as we plan a flight from Oceana, CA (L52) to Monterey, CA (KMRY) using ForeFlight Route Advisor.
December 30, 2025/by IFR Focus TeamAsk the IFR Expert: How Should I Adjust My Personal Minimums for Winter IFR Flying
Most pilots think of personal minimums as static numbers, but winter is a reminder that they should be dynamic. Rather than simply raising ceilings and visibility across the board, start by identifying the risks winter uniquely adds—and then build buffers around them.
December 23, 2025/by Eric RadtkeInstrument Maneuver Spotlight: Circling Approach Procedure
Few instrument maneuvers require a smoother transition from procedures to judgment than the circling approach. In this spotlight, we’ll break down how to fly a circling approach safely and within standards—maintaining the correct circling altitude, managing wind and aircraft positioning, staying within protected airspace, and knowing exactly when it’s appropriate to leave MDA and descend for landing.
December 19, 2025/by IFR Focus TeamPractical IFR: Departure Alternates
A departure alternate is an airport and approach you’ll fly if trouble finds you seconds after you enter the clouds. These are required for many commercial operations if the conditions make an IFR return to the departure airport unlikely or impossible. They’re not required for GA, but you should consider making them part of your standard IFR planning.
December 16, 2025/by Jeff Van WestQuiz: IFR Weather Challenge
Strong IFR flying starts with strong weather awareness. Take the quiz to see how you stack up.
December 12, 2025/by IFR Focus Team