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 BVARTCC WINGS program is a self-paced flight simulation training series on VATSIM, offering structured VFR and IFR flights under live air traffic control, with each flight assessed as a "mini-check ride."
The author used this program to develop IFR flying skills, G1000 proficiency, and VOR navigation, highlighting its realistic ATC interactions and the challenge of flying in dynamic virtual weather.
The immersive experience included navigating busy virtual airspace at KBOS and confronting simulated freezing rain, turbulence, and low-level wind shear, which significantly tested pilot decision-making and skills.

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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.