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 engaged in the BVARTCC WINGS flight training program on VATSIM, a self-paced series of VFR and IFR flights assessed by live air traffic controllers, to master G1000 IFR flying.
Initial IFR flights (WINGS IFR 1 and 2) presented dynamic and challenging scenarios, including busy Class B airspace operations, complex ATC interactions, and simulated adverse weather like freezing rain and turbulence during VOR navigation and ILS approaches.
This high-fidelity simulation environment provides realistic stress and invaluable skill development in IFR procedures, G1000 operation, and decision-making under challenging weather and ATC conditions.

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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.