Zooming to Zero-Zero

jwanwest

Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 12:45 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The article describes a series of challenging flight simulator exercises designed to practice extreme instrument flying in zero-visibility, emergency situations.
Pilots are tasked with progressively difficult scenarios, starting with minimal aids and escalating to relying solely on an iPad for navigation and approach guidance.
The exercises emphasize precision flying, instrument scan techniques, strategic approach selection (RNAV vs. ILS), and specialized landing methods for conditions where visual cues are completely absent.

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The weather tanked. Fuel is low. Your right arm even aches in homage to Jimmy Stewart’s plight from Strategic Air Command. The 1955 Hollywood controller stares into the scope and reports the field is 100-¼. He offers a hold at the marker, but you say, “I can’t hold. I’m committed. I don’t have enough fuel to go around! Bring me on in.”

Ah, but where Stewart had Leo in the back seat and PAR guidance from the ground, you have only your wits and an iPad. Hey, it’s a self-service world. Deal with it.