Simulators Training and Proficiency

Earning Your Winter WINGS

A sim pilot embarks on his IFR learning through a self-paced program of scenario-based training flights paired with live ATC.

Sean Siff

Thursday, July 04, 2024 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

The WINGS IFR 1 is aptly titled the Introduction to IFR flying. [Courtesy: Sean Siff/Microsoft Flight Simulator]

Key Takeaways:

The author is actively participating in the BVARTCC WINGS flight simulation training program on VATSIM, aiming to master IFR flying with a G1000 in a live air traffic control environment.
The initial IFR flights proved highly challenging; WINGS IFR 1 at a busy KBOS tested procedural adherence and adaptability, while WINGS IFR 2 to KPVD exposed the author to severe simulated weather, including freezing rain, icing, and moderate turbulence.
The experience highlighted the high fidelity and immersive stress of advanced flight simulation, offering valuable decision-making practice for adverse conditions without real-world risk, while also identifying areas for further skill development like autopilot proficiency.

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Winter here in New England seems to be loosening its grip, the days are getting a few minutes longer every week and what little snow we had is receding quickly.

Since I got back into home flight simulation, I look forward to the winter as the cold weather guarantees a few more weekends that I get to spend indoors, guilt-free. The winter makes it easier to schedule a weekend afternoon flight in my flight simulator, no matter what the real weather is doing outside.

Sean Siff

Sean Siff is a private pilot who has worked in marketing in the aviation industry. He’s an active flight sim user as he works to stay current in the airplane.