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Challenging Practice

Fly the same approach multiple times, with a twist to keep you on your toes. That’s almost as good as different approaches.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Pilots should actively challenge themselves in instrument flying by utilizing simulators to practice a wide variety of unfamiliar approaches under diverse conditions, moving beyond routine local exercises.
  • The author demonstrates a method of progressive training, starting with aids like autopilot and GPS, and then gradually removing them to enhance hand-flying skills and reliance on raw instrument data.
  • Consistent application of procedural disciplines, such as the "six T's" (Turn, Time, Throttle, Twist, Talk, Track), is crucial for thorough management of each stage of an instrument approach and for achieving true proficiency beyond mere currency.
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Challenge yourself. Be willing to make mistakes. Practicing in a perfect world would allow you to fly different approaches every time. While that’s best, it’s not very economical. After a bit, you’ve flown all the approaches in your area, so you have to go further and further to avoid flying the same ol’ approach time after time.

One way to avoid that issue is in a simulator. Yes, we regularly offer you the Sim Challenge, but you can easily find other practice at challenging airports on your own. If you’re in an airplane, keep yourself sharp by flying the same approach—as unfamiliar as you can find—in multiple ways.

Philip Mandel

Philip earned his private certificate in 1981 followed by instrument rating, commercial certificate, CFI, CFI-I, and MEI. He has owned airplanes ranging from a C-150 to a Piper Apache and is currently the proud owner of his tenth flying machine, a Thorp T-18. Philip is an active flight instructor based at Starks Twin Oaks Airpark (7S3) in Oregon. He is a three-time FAASTeam Representative of the Year honoree for the Portland, OR region and a "WINGS Pro."

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