This is the foundation of IFR flight. You will learn to fly the airplane without looking outside, relying entirely on the “six-pack” or primary flight display (PFD).

• Concepts: The Control and Performance method vs. the Primary and Supporting method.

• Skills: Developing a proper instrument scan (Hub and Spoke, T-scan) and recognizing/recovering from unusual attitudes.

Focuses on the transition from the runway to the en-route structure while ensuring terrain and obstacle clearance.

• Topics: Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs), and Radar Departures.

• Details: Understanding climb gradients (ft/nm), “fly-by” vs. “fly-over” waypoints, and departure minimums.

Covers navigating along “highways in the sky” (Victor Airways or Jet Routes) and what to do when ATC needs to delay your arrival.

• En Route: Understanding altitudes like MEA, MOCA, and MAA, as well as IFR cruising altitudes.

• Holding: Learning the three standard entries (Direct, Parallel, and Teardrop), timing (1 minute inbound), and wind correction.

A deep dive into how weather affects IFR flight and where to find the data.

• Theory: Icing types, thunderstorm life cycles, fog, and turbulence.

• Services: Deciphering METARs, TAFs, GFA (Graphical Forecasts), and PIREPs. Understanding the difference between a Briefing and a Progress Report.

Covers the physical environment of the airport and the psychological state of the pilot.

• Airport: Runway lighting (ALSF, VASI/PAPI), signs, and markings.

• Human Factors: Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM), CRM (Cockpit Resource Management), and physiological illusions like the “Leans” or “Coriolis Illusion.”

The “big picture” of getting back down to the ground.

• Arrivals: Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) and transitions from the en-route phase.

• Basics: The segments of an instrument approach (Initial, Intermediate, Final, and Missed)

Specifics on how to fly to a runway in low visibility.

• Precision vs. Non-Precision: ILS (vertical and lateral guidance) vs. VOR/Localizer (lateral only).

• Circling: Procedures for when the approach doesn’t line up with the runway in use, including protected airspace radii.

A refresher on where you can fly and specialized approach types.

• Airspace: Requirements for Classes A, B, C, D, E, and G, plus Special Use Airspace (Prohibited, Restricted, etc.).

• Misc: Visual approaches, Contact approaches, and side-step maneuvers.

Putting the technical skills into a conversational and situational context.

• Communication: CRAFT clearances, mandatory IFR reports, and emergency Lost Communications procedures (AVE-F/MEA).

• Scenarios: Role-playing a full flight from engine start to shutdown to test real-time decision-making.

The legal and logistical requirements for an IFR flight.

• Planning: Weight and Balance, fuel requirements (45-minute reserve), and the 1-2-3 rule for alternates.

• Qualifications: Instrument currency (6-6-HIT) and the documents required on board (ARROW).

The final “polish” on your skills before a checkride.

• Organization: How to set up the cockpit, manage automation (Autopilot/GPS), and use briefings (e.g., ARCH) to stay ahead of the airplane.

• Prioritization: The “Aviate, Navigate, Communicate” hierarchy during high-stress phases of flight.