I noted an interesting change to the Instrument Rating ACS released back in June last year. It used to be that per the ACS, a circling approach required a heading change of at least 90 degrees from the final approach course to the landing runway. That requirement is now gone, replaced with the requirement to Visually maneuver to a base or downwind leg appropriate for the landing runway and environmental conditions. Also, new language was added saying the pilot must not bank over 30 degrees.
Instrument flight training and a thorough understanding of approach chart details (TERPS) are crucial for making safe flying decisions and navigating challenging weather conditions.
Aviation regulations and certification standards are updated to reflect practical operational needs, as seen in changes to Instrument Rating ACS requirements for circling approaches.
Specific operational limitations, such as approaches being "NA at night," are often due to unlit obstacles (e.g., trees) penetrating critical visual areas near runways.
Many pilots find complex weather analysis tools like Skew-T charts difficult to understand, highlighting a need for simplified and application-focused educational resources.
With winter flying in full swing, I wanted to share some thoughts I share with other pilots.
1. If you don’t get IFR (“The magazine for the accomplished pilot”), you should. It keeps the juices flowing and is chock full of insights mainly for instrument flying.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
