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Fundamentals of Instrument Flying Training

May 9, 2025

Basic Instrument Flying Instruction

Introduction

  • The teaching method for basic instrument flying remains unchanged over 45 years.
  • Effective training method, often transforming student skills.
  • Video aimed at the GA IFR community in non-pressurized light aircraft (e.g., C172 to Navajo Chieftain).
  • Minimal difference in training between six-pack instruments and glass displays.
  • Video covers basic instrument flying; future videos may cover tracking, holding, and approaches.
  • Encouragement to practice sections individually using simulators like X-Plane.

Preliminary Exercises

  1. VMC Altitude Adjustment: Fly at cruise settings, adjust aircraft symbol alignment, and change altitude by 100’ up and down. Note pitch changes.
  2. Trimming Exercise: Perfectly trim the aircraft to maintain altitude/heading using rudder trim at different speeds and configurations.
  3. Power Setting for Descent: Determine power settings for various flight configurations, especially descent.

Instrument Flying Techniques

  • Focus on Attitude Indicator (AI): Primary reference instrument for all actions.
  • Pyramid Hierarchy: AI is on top, performance instruments (Altimeter, DI, ASI, VSI) in the middle, navigation instruments (HSI, OBS, ADF) at the bottom.
  • Instrument Scan: Focus on AI; return periodically to check performance instruments.

Attitude Correction

  • Adjustment on AI: Make small corrections on AI, then verify with Altimeter/Heading.
  • Trimming: Select-hold-trim method; ensure minimal pressure on yoke.

Airplane Stability

  • Pitch Positions: Level, 8° nose up, 2½° nose down for various flight modes.
  • Bank Angles for IFR: 20° left/right for standard turns; rate one turns at 3°/sec.
  • Nine AI Pictures: Memorize and maintain one of nine AI attitudes for safety.

Selective Radial Scan Technique

  • Scan Method: Focus on AI with selective performance instrument checks based on flight stage.
  • Use of Bugs: Simplifies scans by marking desired performance levels.
  • Specific Scan Examples:
    • Straight and Level: AI, DI, Altimeter
    • Turns: AI, Altimeter
    • Climb: AI, DI, ASI
    • Descent: AI, DI, VSI

Anticipation

  • Adjustment Anticipation: Begin adjustments before reaching target to maintain control.
  • Climb/Descent: Start adjustments 30’ from target altitude.
  • Turns: Anticipate by 5° for smooth heading adjustment.

Conclusion

  • Future Videos: Potential further content on tracking, autopilot usage, and advanced procedures.
  • Community Engagement: Encouragement to join PPL/IR Europe for further resources and community access.

Full transcript