.

COM

The
IFR Quick-Review
Study Guide

Instrument-Airplane

By Amir Fleminger
CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, Gold Seal Flight Instructor,
EMB-145, ERJ 170/190, Bsc Professional Aeronautics, MS Aeronautical Science
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PILOT QUALIFICATIONS .................................................3 DEPARTURE ................................................................7

When is an Instrument rating required? .................... 3 IFR Takeoff minimums ...........................................7

Logging Instrument Time ........................................... 3 Departure Procedures (DP) ...................................7

Minimum Aeronautical Experience (§61.65) .............. 3 Diverse Departure Procedures ..............................7

Recency of Experience ............................................. 3 Diverse Vector Area ...............................................7

IFR Recency Timeline ............................................... 4 Climb Over Airport (VCOA)....................................7

Use of full flight SIM, FTD, or ATD for acquiring IFR Departure Clearance –“CRAFT” .....................8
instrument aeronautical experience (§61.51) ............ 4
STANDARD TERMINAL ARRIVAL (STAR) ..................8
Logging Instrument Approach Procedures –
Requirements ............................................................ 4 CLIMB/DESCENT CLEARANCES ...............................8

AERONAUTICAL DECISION MAKING .............................4 CRUISE CLEARANCE .................................................9

Preflight self-assessment – “IM SAFE” ..................... 4 IFR ALTITUDES ...........................................................9

Risk Management & Personal Minimums – “PAVE” .. 4 FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS ............................................10

Decision Making – “DECIDE” .................................... 4 Gyroscopic Instruments .......................................10

PERSONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FLIGHT ....5 Pitot-Static Instruments .......................................10

AIRCRAFT DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FLIGHT – Airspeed Indicator Markings ................................ 11

“ARROW” ..........................................................................5
V-Speeds ............................................................. 11
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS REQUIRED
FOR IFR – “AVIATES” .......................................................5
Static Port Blockage ............................................ 11
BRIEFINGS .......................................................................5
Pitot Tube Blockage ............................................ 11
Passenger Briefing – “SAFETY” ................................ 5
Generic Instrument Taxi Check ........................... 11
Taxi Briefing – “ARCH” .............................................. 5
Magnetic compass errors & limitations – “DV
MONA”.................................................................12
Takeoff Briefing – “DEPARTS” ................................... 5
Electronic Flight Instruments ...............................12
PREFLIGHT INFO REQUIRED FOR IFR .........................6
MINIMUM EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR FLIGHT...12
IFR FLIGHT PLAN.............................................................6
Operating with inoperative items (§91.213) .........12
IFR MINIMUM FUEL REQUIREMENTS ...........................6
RADIO NAVIGATION .................................................13
ALTERNATES ...................................................................6
Standard VOR Service Volumes .........................13
Is a destination alternate required? “1-2-3” rule ........ 6
VHF OMNI Directional Range (VOR) ..................13
Min Weather Conditions required at An alternate ...... 6
DME Service Volumes .........................................13
Filing an alternate - GPS considerations ................... 6
Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) ...............13
IFR CRUISING ALTITUDES ..............................................6

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 1 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continued

Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) ............................ 13 WEATHER HAZARDS..................................................... 24

Compass Locator ................................................. 13 Thunderstorms .........................................................24

Instrument Landing System (ILS) ......................... 14 Fog ...........................................................................24

Global Positioning System (GPS) ........................ 15 Icing ..........................................................................24

AREA NAVIGATION (RNAV) ....................................... 15 AEROMEDICAL .............................................................. 25

Required Navigation Performance (RNP) ............ 16 TABLES & REFERENCES .............................................. 26

ATTITUDE INSTRUMENT FLYING ............................. 16 US TERMINAL PROCEDURES PUBLICATIONS LEGEND

28
Required reports under IFR .................................. 17
Radio aid symbols ....................................................28
Position Report Items ........................................... 17
Airports .....................................................................28
HOLDING PATTERNS ................................................ 17
Altitudes ....................................................................28
Make all hold turns: .............................................. 17
Special Use Airspace ...............................................28
Holding pattern timing .......................................... 17
Terminal Routes .......................................................28
Holding Speeds .................................................... 17
Holding Patterns .......................................................28
Holding Entry ........................................................ 17
Indicated AIRSPEED ................................................28
at the hold fix, report to ATC: ................................ 17
STAR/DP Routes ......................................................28
LOST COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURE ................. 18
Miscellaneous ...........................................................29
PROCEDURE TURN................................................... 18
Terminal Arrival Area (TAA) ......................................29
INSTRUMENT APPROACHES ................................... 18
Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) ..................................29
Visual Descent Point (VDP) (AIM 5-4-5) .............. 19
Planview Obstacles ..................................................29
Vertical Descent Angle (VDA) (AIM 5-4-5) ........... 19
Fixes/ATC Reporting Requirements .........................29
AIRSPACE................................................................... 20
Profile View...............................................................30
BASIC VFR WEATHER MINIMUMS ........................... 20
Approach Light Systems (ALS) ................................31
Special Use Airspace ........................................... 21
TERMS & DEFINITIONS ................................................. 34
MAX AIRCRAFT AIRSPEEDS IN THE U.S. ................ 22

WEATHER ................................................................... 22

weather information sources ................................ 22

Types of Weather Briefings .................................. 22

weather Products ................................................. 22

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 2 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

PILOT QUALIFICATIONS

WHEN IS AN INSTRUMENT RATING LOGGING INSTRUMENT TIME (§61.51)

REQUIRED? A person may log instrument time An authorized instructor
■ When acting as PIC under IFR or in weather only for that flight time when the may log instrument time
conditions less than prescribed for VFR. person operates the aircraft solely when conducting
(§61.3) by reference to instruments under instrument flight instruction
actual or simulated instrument in actual instrument flight
■ When carrying passengers for compensation flight conditions. conditions.
or hire on cross-country flights in excess of
50 NM or at night. (§61.133) A Flight simulator or FTD may be used to meet the
■ For flight in Class A airspace (§91.135) flight review requirements as long as:
■ For Special VFR between sunset and sunrise ■ It is used in an approved course by a training
(§91.157) center under Part 142.
■ Represent an aircraft for which the pilot is rated.
MINIMUM AERONAUTICAL EXPERIENCE (§61.65) To carry passengers as PIC (§61.57)
■ 50 hours X-Country PIC time ■ 3 takeoffs & landings in category, class and type
(if type rating req.) In the last 90 days.
▷ Of which ,10 hours in airplanes.
■ At periods between 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour
■ 40 hours actual or simulated instrument time before sunrise: 3 takeoffs & landings to full stop
▷ Of which, 15 hours with CFII. within 1 hour after sunset to 1 hour before sunrise.
□ Including one X-Country flight of: ■ The takeoffs and landings may be accomplished in a
□ 250 NM along airways or by directed ATC FFS or FTD if it is approved for landings and used in
routing. a Part 142 training center.
□ An instrument approach at each airport. See exceptions in 61.57(e) for pilots operating under
□ 3 different kinds of approaches using Part 121, 125, 135 and PIC of turbine-powered
navigation systems. airplanes with more than one flight crewmember.
□ With a filed IFR flight plan.
□ 3 Hours instrument flight training in last 2 To act as PIC under IFR or in weather conditions less
Calendar months prior to practical test than VFR minimums- “6 HITS” – (§61.57(c))
■ Use of approved full flight simulator or FTD, if trained Within the 6 calendar months preceding the month
by authorized instructor: of flight, you performed and logged (in actual or
▷ Max. 30 hours if instrument time completed under simulated conditions):
Part 142 ■ 6 instrument approaches.
▷ Max 20 hours if not completed under 142 ■ Holding procedures & tasks.
■ Use of FAA approved Aviation Training Device, if ■ Intercepting & Tracking courses through the use of
trained by an authorized instructor: navigational electronic systems.
▷ Max.10 hours of instrument time if Basic ATD These tasks can be completed in a FFS, ATD, or FTD
▷ Max. 20 hours of instrument time if Advanced ATD provided the device represents the category of aircraft
■ No more than 20 hours of total instrument time can be for the instrument rating privileges to be maintained and
credited in a full flight simulator, FTD or ATD, except the pilot performs the tasks and iterations in simulated
the 30 hours exception under Part 142 mentioned instrument conditions. A flight instructor is not needed.
above. No “6 HITS” logged looking back six months?
RECENCY OF EXPERIENCE You have an additional 6 months to regain currency
by performing the “6 HITS” with a safety pilot.
To act as PIC (§61.56)
■ Safety pilot requirements
A Flight review is required since the beginning of the 24
calendar months before the month of the flight in an ▷ Holds at least a private pilot certificate with the
aircraft for which the pilot is rated. Consists of appropriate category and class and a valid
minimum 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour ground medical / BasicMed.
training. Conducted by an authorized instructor. ▷ Have adequate vision forward and to each side
The flight review can be substituted by: of the aircraft.
■ A proficiency check or practical pilot test for a pilot ▷ Aircraft must have a dual control system.
certificate, rating or operating privilege. (conducted More than 6 months since IFR current?
by an approved examiner, pilot check airman, or US ■ An Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) is required.
Armed Force). Administered by a CFII, examiner, or other approved
■ A practical test, conducted by an examiner, for flight person. Guidelines are in the ACS.
instructor certificate, additional rating, renewal or ■ Some IPC tasks, but not all, can be conducted in a
reinstatement. FTD or ATD. (See ACS)
To meet recent instrument experience requirements,
■ Completion of one or more phases of the FAA- the following information must be recorded in the
sponsored pilot proficiency award program person's logbook:
(WINGS). ■ Location & type of each instrument approach
■ Flight instructor renewal under Part 61.197 exempts accomplished, and
the pilot from the ground portion of the flight review. ■ The name of the safety pilot, if required.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 3 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM
The IPC must cover these areas of operation: IFR RECENCY TIMELINE
■ Air traffic control clearances and procedures. Looking back 6 calendar months No “6 HITS” / IPC / the checkride
from the month of the flight: in the previous 6 calendar months? After 6 cal.
■ Flight by reference to instruments. Performed “6 HITS” or had an IPC You have 6 additional calendar months
of expired
■ Navigation systems. or the Instrument checkride months to perform & log recency,
(In an appropriate aircraft for the “6 HITS” in simulated IMC w\ safety an IPC is
■ Instrument approach procedures. instrument rating to be exercised) pilot or in a FFS, FTD, or ATD. the only
way to
■ Emergency operations, and IFR Current! NOT Current (grace period) reestablish
it.
■ Post-flight procedures.
12 Calendar Months
IFR recency of experience exemptions
■ A PIC who is actively employed by a Part 121 or 135 operator is exempt from the IFR recency of experience
requirements of Part 61.57 when operating under Part 91, 121 or 135 (as applicable) for that operator as long as
he complies with recency of experience requirements applicable for that operation.
For example, a Part 121 airline pilot does not need to log “6 HITS” to operate under Part 91 or 121 for that airline
as long as he is an active pilot with the company and current with that airline’s FAA approved training schedule.
However, he is not IFR current for flying outside the airline unless he also complies with the 6 HITS within
6 months rule.
USE OF FULL FLIGHT SIM, FTD, OR ATD FOR ACQUIRING INSTRUMENT AERONAUTICAL EXPERIENCE (§61.51)
■ For training towards a certificate or rating, an authorized instructor is present to observe and signs the person’s logbook
to verify the time and content of the session.
■ For IFR recency requirements, log:
▷ Training device, time and content.
(§61.51, §61.56, §61.57, §91.109, Instrument- Airplane ACS)

LOGGING INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURES – REQUIREMENTS

1. You must operate the aircraft, FFS, ATD or FTD solely by reference to instruments. – §61.51(g)(1)
▷ A flight instructor may log an IAP conducted by the student in actual IMC. (See FAA letter to Levy, 2008)
2. Be established on each required segment of the IAP down to its published minimums (MDA or DA).
▷ The Initial (starting at the IAF), Intermediate and Final approach segments are required for logging the
approach, unless:
▷ When radar vectored to final by ATC. (In simulated IMC, vectors from the safety pilot are also accepted).
3. If conducted in simulated IMC in an aircraft, or in a FFS, ATD or FTD, simulated conditions must continue down to
MDA or DA.
4. In an aircraft, flight must be in actual or simulated IMC.
5. In an aircraft, if conditions change from actual IMC to VMC during the final approach segment, you can still log the
approach.
(See FAA INFO 15012, 2015)

AERONAUTICAL DECISION MAKING

PREFLIGHT SELF-ASSESSMENT – “IM SAFE”
■ I - Illness - Do I have any symptoms?
■ M - Medication - Have I taken prescription or over-the-counter drugs?
■ S - Stress - Am I under psychological pressure, worried about finances, health or family discord?
■ A - Alcohol - No drinking within 8 hours. (“8 hours bottle to throttle”). No more than .04% of alcohol in blood.
■ F - Fatigue - Am I tired / adequately rested?
■ E - Emotion - Am I emotionally upset?
(§91.17, AIM 8-1-1)
RISK MANAGEMENT & PERSONAL MINIMUMS – “PAVE”
■ P - Pilot (general health, physical / mental / emotional state, proficiency, currency)
■ A - Aircraft (airworthiness, equipment, performance)
■ V - EnVironment (weather hazards, terrain, airports / runways to be used & other conditions)
■ E - External pressure (meetings, people waiting at destination, etc.)
(Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
DECISION MAKING – “DECIDE”
■ D - Detect that a change has occurred.
■ E - Estimate the need to counter the change.
■ C - Choose a desirable outcome.
■ I - Identify solutions.
■ D - Do the necessary actions.
■ E - Evaluate the effects of the actions
(Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 4 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

PERSONAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FLIGHT BRIEFINGS

■ Pilot Certificate PASSENGER BRIEFING – “SAFETY”
■ Medical certificate (or US Driver’s license as permitted by
■ S
§61.113 & §61.23)
■ Authorized photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc) ▷ Seat belts fastened for taxi, takeoff, landing.
■ Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (For flights ▷ Shoulder harness fastened for takeoff, landing.
outside the US)
▷ Seat position adjusted and locked in place
AIRCRAFT DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR FLIGHT –
“ARROW” ■ A
A - Airworthiness certificate ▷ Air vents location and operation
R - Registration certificate
▷ All environmental controls (discussed)
R - Radio station license (for flights outside the US)
O - Operating limitations & information (in AFM) ▷ Action in case of any passenger discomfort
W - Weight & Balance data (aircraft specific)
■ F
(§21.5, §91.103, §91.9, §91.203, ICAO Article 29)
▷ Fire extinguisher (location and operation)
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS REQUIRED
FOR IFR – “AVIATES” ■ E

■ A - Airworthiness Directive (AD) required inspections. ▷ Exit doors (how to secure; how to open)
(§39) ▷ Emergency evacuation plan
■ V - VOR check every 30 days. (For IFR; §91.171) ▷ Emergency/survival kit (location and contents)
■ I - Inspections: (§91.409)
▷ Annual inspection - 12 Cal. Months (all aircraft). ■ T
▷ 100-hour (time-in-service) inspection required if: ▷ Traffic (scanning, spotting, notifying pilot)
□ Carrying a person for hire (other than crew
▷ Talking, sterile flight deck expectations
member), or
□ Flight instructing for hire in an aircraft provided by ■ Y
the person giving the instruction. ▷ Your questions? Speak up!
□ “For hire” refers to the person, not the aircraft.
(Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
◦ Flight school providing airplane + instructor for hire:
100-hours required
TAXI BRIEFING – “ARCH”
◦ Student-owned aircraft: 100-hours not required.
◦ Rental (no pilot or instructor): 100-hr not required. ■ A - Assigned / planned runway.
□ The 100-hr inspection may be exceeded by up to 10 ■ R - Route.
hours if aircraft is enroute to a place where it can be
■ C - Crossings and hold short instructions.
done. This additional time must be included in
computing the next 100-hours inspection. ■ H - Hot spots & Hazards (e.g., NOTAMs, closed
□ An annual inspection can substitute for the 100-hour if taxiways/runways, surface condition).
done within 100 hours of time-in-service.
▷ A progressive inspection schedule, if specifically TAKEOFF BRIEFING – “DEPARTS”
approved by the FAA, may replace the annual and 100 D - Departure review (e.g. takeoff type, initial heading, first
hour inspections. fix & course, clearance readout).
■ A - Altimeter, automatic altitude reporting (used by
transponder) & static system every 24 calendar months. E - Establish Expectations (e.g., flying pilot, PIC, positive
(For IFR in controlled airspace; §91.411) transfer of controls).
■ T - Transponder every 24 calendar months. (§91.413) P - Plan / special considerations (e.g., weather, visibility,
■ E - ELT (§91.207) terrain, unfamiliar field, inoperative equipment / MELs).
▷ inspected every 12 calendar months.
▷ Battery must be replaced after more than 1 hour of A - Alternate (takeoff alternate, if needed, or return plan)
cumulative transmitter use or if 50% of its useful life R - Runway conditions and length.
has expired (or, for rechargeable batteries, 50% of the
T - Trouble / Tactics (e.g., rejected takeoff, engine failure).
useful life of charge has expired).
■ S - Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) required S - Speak up! Questions / concerns?
inspections.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 5 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM
PREFLIGHT INFO REQUIRED FOR IFR
IS A DESTINATION ALTERNATE REQUIRED?
“NW KRAFT”– §91.103
“1-2-3” RULE
■ N - NOTAMs.
A destination alternate is always required, unless:
■ W - Weather reports and forecasts.
■ An instrument approach is published and
■ K - Known traffic delays as advised by ATC. available for the destination, AND,
■ R - Runway length of intended use. ■ For at least 1 hour before to 1 hour after ETA:
■ A - Alternatives available if flight cannot be completed as ▷ Ceiling will be at least 2000’ above airport
planned. elevation; and
■ F - Fuel requirements ▷ Visibility will be at least 3 SM.
■ T - Takeoff and landing performance data. §91.169
IFR FLIGHT PLAN §91.173
■ Requirement: no person may operate an aircraft in controlled YES
airspace under IFR unless that person has:
▷ Filed an IFR flight plan; and
▷ Received an appropriate ATC clearance. MIN WEATHER CONDITIONS REQUIRED AT AN
■ Although technically permitted by §91.173, taking off into ALTERNATE
IMC in uncontrolled airspace (Class G) without a clearance Use the alternate airport minima published in the
or a release, under certain conditions, was ruled by the procedure charts, or, if none:
NTSB as a violation of §91.13, careless or reckless ■ For a Precision approach:
operation and has gotten pilots in trouble with the FAA. 600 ft ceiling and 2 SM visibility.
See FAA letter to Lamb, 2016, and NTSB Order EA-3935.
■ For a Non-precision approach:
■ How to file an IFR flight plan? 800 ft ceiling and 2 SM visibility.
▷ FSS ■ If no instrument approach available at the
□ by phone (1-800-WX-BRIEF) alternate:
□ over the radio (GCO/RCO) Ceiling & visibility must allow descent from MEA,
approach and landing under VFR.
□ In person.
§91.169
▷ Online
□ www.1800wxbrief.com (Leido), www.fltplan.com (Garmin)
▷ EFB (e.g., Foreflight) FILING AN ALTERNATE - GPS CONSIDERATIONS
▷ With ATC (over radio, or phone if no other means available) ■ Equipped with a non-WAAS GPS? Flight plan can
□ Pop-up IFR clearances let pilots transition from VFR to be based on GPS approach availability at either the
destination or the alternate, but not at both.
IFR, even without a previously filed flight plan
(required by §91.173(a)), under ATC authorization. ■ WAAS Without baro-VNAV? Flight plan may be
□ While filing a flight plan (with FSS) is preferred, pop-ups filed based on LNAV or circling minimas at the
allow to quickly get the flight into the system. (i.e, when alternate (regardless of the available approaches at
the destination).
weather is deteriorating fast during VFR). They are
subject to ATC workload and not guaranteed. ■ WAAS with baro-VNAV? LNAV/VNAV or RNP 0.3
□ You must be at or above the minimum IFR altitude, or are allowed as basis for the flight plan’s alternate
climb to it under VFR. (Requires Special Authorization & RNP availability).
■ File at least 30 minutes prior to estimated departure. Non- AIM 1-1-17b.5, 1-1-18c.9, 1-2-3d
scheduled flights above FL230 should be filed at least 4
hours before est. departure time. (AIM 5-1-6) IFR CRUISING ALTITUDES §91.179
■ Flight plan cancellation (AIM 5-1-15)
Controlled airspace
▷ Towered airports - automatically canceled by ATC upon
IFR Cruising altitudes are as assigned by ATC.
landing.
▷ Non-towered airports - Pilot must contact ATC / FSS to Uncontrolled airspace
cancel (by radio or phone) (Based on magnetic course) 0º
▷ Can cancel anytime in flight if out of IMC and out of Below FL290
class A airspace. ■ 0º-179º: ODD thousands (below 359º
18,000’) or Flight Levels (at or EVEN
Thousands ODD
■ Preferred IFR Routes are published in the Chart Supplement above FL180) or FLs Thousands
179º
U.S. The AIM recommends filing a preferred route if one is ■ 180º-359º: EVEN thousands or FLs

available. (AIM 5-1-6) (below 18,000’) or Flight Levels

(at or above FL180)
Above FL290 (in non-RVSM) 180º
IFR MINIMUM FUEL REQUIREMENTS §91.167
■ 0º-179º: Flight Levels at 4,000’ intervals starting at FL290
(e.g., FL 290, 330, 370)
Fuel from 45 Minutes ■ 180º-359º: Flight Levels at 4,000’ intervals starting at FL310
Fuel from
destination to calculated (e.g., FL 310, 350, 390)
departure to
destination
airport
+ most distant
alternate
+ at
normal
FL290-FL410 (in RVSM)
■ 0º-179º: Odd Flight Levels at 2,000’ intervals starting at FL290
(if alternate required) cruise (e.g., FL 290, 310, 330)
■ 180º-359º: Even Flight Levels at 2,000’ intervals starting at
*Other fuel requirements exist for 121, 135, Flag and supplemental operations FL300 (e.g., FL 300, 320, 340)

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 6 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

IFR TAKEOFF MINIMUMS DIVERSE DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

No T/O minimums mandated for Part 91 operations. For ■ When an Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) is
Part 121, 125, 129, 135: developed for an airport, each runway is assessed for
■ Prescribed T/O minimums for the runway, or, if none: departure obstacle clearance.
■ 1-2 engines airplanes: 1 SM visibility (5000 RVR) ■ This assessment ensures an aircraft can climb
■ More than 2 engines: ½ SM visibility (2400 RVR) and turn in any direction from a runway while
maintaining proper obstacle clearance.
Non-Standard TO minimums / Departure Procedures.
▷ All departures are initially assessed using a 40:1
Non-Standard IFR alternate minimums exist. (~152 FPNM) Obstacle Clearance Surface (OCS).
▷ The standard required climb gradient is 200 FPNM,
Alternate minimums not authorized due to which provides 48 FPNM clearance over the 40:1
NA unmonitored facility or the absence of weather reporting OCS.
service.
▷ The Required Obstacle Clearance (ROC) expands
§91.175 along the departure route until reaching 1,000 ft
DEPARTURE PROCEDURES (DP) (non-mountainous areas) or 2,000 ft (mountainous)
▷ The assessment area is limited to 25 NM (non-
AIM 5-2-9 mountainous areas) or 46 NM (mountainous) from
■ DPs ensure obstacle clearance, provided the aircraft: the departure airport.
▷ crossed the departure end of the runway at least 35 ▷ Pilots are responsible for obstacle clearance beyond
ft AGL, this distance when not operating on a published
▷ reaches 400 ft AGL before turning, and route, or when flying below the MEA, MOCA, or ATC
▷ climbs at least 200 Feet per NM (FPNM), or as assigned altitude.
published on the chart. ■ If a runway fails to meet the diverse departure
□ To convert FPNM to Feet-Per-Minute: criteria, an Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) is
developed.
FPM = FPNM X Groundspeed / 60
When departing with no ODP published (diverse
■ Pilots are encouraged to file and fly a DP at night, during departure criteria is met), pilots must:
marginal VMC or in IMC. ■ Cross the Departure End of the Runway (DER) at
least 35 feet above DER elevation
■ Two types of DP
■ Climb to 400 feet above DER elevation before
▷ Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) making any turns
□ Provides obstacle clearance only. ■ Continue climbing until reaching the minimum
□ Printed either textually or graphically. IFR altitude.
□ Graphic ODPs are titled “(OBSTACLE).”
▷ Standard Instrument Departure (SID) DIVERSE VECTOR AREA
□ Provide obstacle clearance and reduces pilot/ ■ At some locations with an ODP, Diverse Vector Areas
controller workload by simplifying ATC clearances (DVA) are available to allow radar vectors in lieu of the
and minimizing radio communications. pilot flying the ODP.
□ May include special radio failure procedures. ■ A DVA allows ATC to vector aircraft below the
□ SIDs are always published graphically. Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA) or Minimum IFR
Altitude (MIA) immediately after takeoff while still
■ DPs are also categorized by required equipment: meeting obstacle clearance requirements.
▷ Non-RNAV DP ■ DVA information is found in the “Take-Off Minimums
□ Uses ground-based navigation (e.g., VOR, DME, and (Obstacle) Departure Procedures” section of the
NDB). TPP. It includes a statement that initial headings are
▷ RNAV DP provided by ATC and any applicable climb gradients.
□ Require at least RNAV 1 performance.
□ Identified with the word “RNAV” in the title. CLIMB OVER AIRPORT (VCOA)
▷ RADAR DP ■ A departure option for IFR aircraft in VMC.
□ Uses ATC radar vectors to a route, NAVAID, or fix after ■ The pilot visually conducts climbing turns over the
departure. airport up to the published "climb to" altitude, from
□ Annotated “RADAR REQUIRED.” which he proceeds to the instrument portion of the
■ You are not required to accept a SID. To avoid it, state departure.
“NO SIDs” in the flight plan’s remarks section. ■ Designed to avoid obstacles beyond 3 SM from the
departure end of the runway (DER), as an alternative to
■ Transition routes connect the end of the basic SID complying with climb gradients greater than the
procedure to the enroute structure. standard 200 FPNM.
■ DPs are published in the “Take-Off Minimums and ■ Advise ATC as early as possible prior to departure of
(Obstacle) Departure Procedures” section of the Terminal the intent to fly a VCOA.
Procedure Publication (TPP) ■ Published in the “Take-Off Minimums and (Obstacle)
Departure Procedures” section of the TPP.
■ May appear as an option on graphic ODPs

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 7 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

IFR DEPARTURE CLEARANCE –“CRAFT” CLIMB/DESCENT CLEARANCES

■ C - Clearance limit. ■ “Climb via (the SIDs name)” - an abbreviated
■ R - Route. clearance that requires compliance with the procedure
■ A - Altitude. lateral path, associated speed and altitude restrictions
■ F - Frequency (for departure). along the cleared route or procedure. Clearance to
■ T - Transponder code. “climb via” authorizes the pilot to: (AIM 5-2-9)
Clearance void time – The time at which your ▷ When used in the IFR departure clearance, in a
clearance is void and after which you may not PDC, DCL or when cleared to a waypoint depicted
takeoff. You must notify ATC within 30 min after the on a SID, to join the procedure after departure or to
resume the procedure.
void time if you did not depart. ▷ When vertical navigation is interrupted and an
“Hold for release” – You may not takeoff until being altitude is assigned to maintain which is not
released for IFR departure. contained on the published procedure, to climb
Release time – The earliest time the aircraft may from that previously-assigned altitude at pilot's
depart under IFR. discretion to the altitude depicted for the next
Expect Departure Clearance Time (EDCT) – A waypoint.
runway release time given under traffic ▷ Once established on the depicted departure, to
management programs in busy airports. Aircraft are navigate laterally and climb to meet all published or
expected to depart no earlier and no later than 5 assigned altitude and speed restrictions.
minutes from the EDCT. ■ When an IFR clearance includes a STAR, pilots must
Abbreviated departure clearance – “Cleared (...) maintain the last assigned altitude until receiving
as filed (...)” authorization to descend so as to comply with all
(AIM 5-2-6) published or issued altitude restrictions.
■ “Descend via (the STAR’s name)”, authorizes pilots
STANDARD TERMINAL ARRIVAL (STAR) to: (AIM 5-4-1)
■ A STAR is an ATC-coded arrival procedure that ▷ Descend at pilot's discretion to meet published
serves as a transition between the enroute
structure and a point from which an approach restrictions and laterally navigate on a STAR.
to landing can be made. ▷ When cleared to a waypoint depicted on a STAR,
■ Transition routes connect enroute fixes to the to descend from a previously assigned altitude
basic STAR procedure. at pilot's discretion to the altitude depicted at that
■ STARs are usually named after the fix at which waypoint.
the basic procedure begins.
■ As with a SID, pilots can state “NO STARs” in ▷ Once established on the depicted arrival, to
the remarks section of the flight plan to avoid descend and to meet all published or assigned
getting a clearance containing a STAR. altitude and/or speed restrictions.
■ You do not have to accept a STAR, but once ■ A climb/descend via clearance deletes previously
accepted, you must comply with it.
■ STARs may be based on conventional navaids or assigned speed restrictions. Pilots must still comply
RNAV capability. with speed restrictions published in the procedure.
■ RNAV STARs (AIM 4-4-12)
▷ Normally designed with RNAV 1, RNP 1 or A-
RNP NavSpecs ■ “Expect” altitudes or Flight Levels
▷ identified by “RNAV” in the title ▷ Not a clearance; used for planning purposes only
■ STARs help to ▷ Pilots must not descend to an "expect" altitude
▷ Reduce pilot/controller workload without additional ATC clearance
▷ Minimize radio communications ■ “Maintain (altitude)”
▷ Simplify clearance delivery
■ Flying a STAR ▷ Normally preceded by the phrase “climb and” or
“descend and”.
▷ Comply with lateral routing and published
▷ Pilot should begin the climb or descent to the
speed restrictions on the procedure, unless
assigned altitude upon receipt of the clearance.
otherwise instructed by ATC.
▷ In the US, any published restrictions on a STAR
▷ Do not descent until authorized by ATC.
above the assigned altitude are cancelled.
■ “Cross (fix) at (altitude)” or “at or above/below
(altitude)”
▷ Start climb/descent at pilot discretion and comply
the crossing restriction.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 8 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

CRUISE CLEARANCE
A “cruise clearance” can be issued by ATC to allocates a block of airspace to the flight. This airspace begins at
the minimum IFR altitude and extends to the altitude (including) specified in the clearance.
Within this block, you are free to climb and descend. However, once you start descending and verbally report leaving
an altitude, you may not return to it without additional ATC clearance.
A cruise clearance also allows you to begin an approach at the destination without receiving an additional
“cleared for approach” clearance.
However, this clearance does not allow the pilot to descend under IMC below the applicable minimum IFR
altitudes nor does it imply ATC is exercising control over aircraft in class G airspace.

Example: “N12345 Cruise 6 Thousand” (Pilot/Controller Glossary)

IFR ALTITUDES
Minimum IFR Altitudes (§91.177)
■ Except for takeoff or landing, or otherwise authorized by the FAA, no person may operate an aircraft under
IFR below -
▷ Minimum altitudes prescribed for the flown segment, or if none:
▷ Mountainous areas: 2,000 ft above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 NM from the
course.
▷ Non-mountainous areas: 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 4 NM from the course.
IFR altitudes definitions (§91.177, Pilot/Controller Glossary)
■ DA / H - Decision Altitude / Height: the Altitude (MSL) / Height (above runway threshold), on a vertically guided
instrument approach procedure (ILS, LNAV/VNAV, LPV, etc) at which the pilot must decide whether to continue
the approach or to go around.
■ MAA - Maximum Authorized Altitude. Annotated “MAA-17000” (17,000ft as an example) on IFR charts.
■ MCA - Minimum Crossing Altitude. The lowest altitude at certain fixes that an airplane must cross when flying in
the direction of a higher MEA.
■ MDA / H - Minimum Descent Altitude / Height: The lowest Altitude (MSL) / Height (above runway threshold) to
which descent is authorized on a non-precision approach until the pilot sees the visual references required for
landing.
■ MEA - Minimum Enroute Altitude: The lowest published altitude between radio fixes which assures acceptable
navigational signal coverage and meets obstacle clearance requirements. An MEA gap establishes an area of
loss in navigational coverage and annotated “MEA GAP” on IFR charts.
■ MOCA - Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude: The lowest published altitude in effect between radio fixes on
VOR airways, off-airway routes, or route segments which meets obstacle clearance requirements for the entire
route segment and which assures acceptable navigational signal coverage only within 22 NM of a VOR.
▷ If both an MEA and a MOCA are prescribed for a particular route segment, a person may operate an
aircraft lower than the MEA down to, but not below the MOCA, provided the applicable navigation
signals are available. For aircraft using VOR for navigation, this applies only when the aircraft is within
22 NM of the VOR. (§91.177)
■ MORA - Minimum Off Route Altitude (Jeppesen):
▷ Route MORA provides obstruction clearance within 10NM to either side of airway centerlines and within a
10NM radius at the ends of airways.
▷ Grid MORA provide obstruction clearance within a latitude / longitude grid block.
■ MRA - Minimum Reception Altitude. The lowest altitude on an airway segment where intersection can be
determined using radio navigational aids.
■ MTA - Minimum Turning Altitude: Provides vertical and lateral obstacle clearance in turns over certain fixes.
Annotated with the MCA X icon and a note describing the restriction.
■ MVA - Minimum Vectoring Altitude: The lowest altitude at which an IFR aircraft will be vectored by a radar
controller, except as otherwise authorized for radar approaches, departures, and missed approaches. MVAs may
be lower than the minimum altitudes depicted on aeronautical charts, such as MEAs or MOCAs.
■ OROCA - Off Route Obstruction Clearance Altitude: Provides obstruction clearance with a 1,000 ft buffer in non-
mountainous terrain areas and 2,000 ft in mountainous areas. OROCA may not provide navigation or
communication signal coverage.
*Designated mountainous areas are defined in 14 CFR part 95 by lat / long coordinates.

OROCA MEA
16000 MCA /
11700G GPS MEA MTA

125 *11000
V4
MOCA
MRA
Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 9 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS
GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS
■ Two principles of a gyroscope:
▷ Rigidity in space, and
▷ precession.
Attitude Indicator (AI)
Operates on the principle of rigidity in space. Shows bank and pitch information. Older AIs may have a
tumble limit. Should show correct attitude within 5 minutes of starting the engine. Normally vacuum-driven in
GA aircraft, may be electrical in others. May have small acceleration/deceleration errors (accelerate-slight
pitch up, decelerate- pitch down) and roll-out errors (following a 180 turn shows a slight turn to the opposite
direction).
Heading indicator (HI)
Operates on the principle of rigidity in space. It only reflects changes in heading, but cannot measure the
heading directly. You have to calibrate it with a magnetic compass in order for it to indicate correctly. HIs may
be slaved to a magnetic heading source, such as a flux gate, and sync automatically to the present heading.
Normally powered by the vacuum system of GA aircraft.
Turn Indicators
Operates on the principle of precession.
▷ Turn coordinators show rate-of-turn and rate of roll.
▷ Turn-and-slip indicators show rate-of-turn only.

PITOT-STATIC INSTRUMENTS
Altimeter
■ An aneroid barometer that shows the height above a given pressure level, based on standard pressure
lapse rate of 1000’ per inch of mercury.
■ A stack of sealed aneroid wafers expand and contract with changes in atmospheric pressure received from
the static port.
■ A mechanical linkage between the aneroid and the display translates the sensed pressure to an altitude
indication.
■ An altimeter setting knob (on a “sensitive altimeter”, which are most aircraft altimeters) allows the pilot to
adjust the current pressure to the current altimeter setting published locally (available from ATIS, METAR or
ATC).
■ The pressure setting is displayed in the “Kollsman Window” in mb and/or inches of mercury (Hg)
■ In the US, when operating below 18,000’ MSL regularly set the altimeter to a station within 100 NM.
Above 18,000’ MSL, the altimeter should be set to the standard sea level pressure of 29.92” Hg, and
operate in Flight Levels (FL).
■ “High to Low - Watch out below!”. Use caution when flying from high pressure to low pressure areas. If
altimeter setting is not updated, altitude will indicate higher, causing the pilot to fly lower than desired. Flying
from hot to cold areas results in the same error.
Types of altitude
■ Indicated altitude – Uncorrected altitude indicated on the dial when set to local pressure setting (QNH).
■ Pressure altitude – Altitude above the standard 29.92. Hg plane (QNE). Used when flying above the
transition altitude (18,000’ in the US)
■ Density altitude – Pressure alt. corrected for nonstandard temperature. Used for performance calculations.
■ True altitude – Actual altitude above Mean Sea Level (MSL).
■ Absolute altitude – Height above airport elevation (QFE).

Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI)

■ Indicates rate-of-climb in fpm (accurate after a 6-9 sec. lag), and rate trend (immediately with rate
change).
■ A diaphragm inside the instrument is connected directly to the static source.
■ The area outside the diaphragm also receives static pressure, but via a calibrated leak (a restricted orifice).
■ This configuration essentially responds to static pressure change over time.
■ As the diaphragm expands or contracts, a mechanical linkage moves the pointer needle to display the
current rate of climb to the pilot.
■ Instantaneous VSI (IVSI) solves the lag issue with the addition of vertical accelerometers.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 10 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

Pitot-Static Instruments – Continued

Airspeed Indicator (ASI)
■ The airspeed indicator measures the difference between impact (ram) air pressure from the pitot tube and ambient pressure
from the static port. The result pressure is called dynamic pressure and corresponds to airspeed.
▷ Dynamic Pressure (airspeed) = Impact Pressure – Static pressure.
■ A diaphragm in the instrument receives ram pressure from the pitot tube. The area outside the diaphragm is sealed and
connected to the static port. A mechanical linkage converts the expansion and contraction of the diaphragm to airspeed shown
on the display dial.
Types of speed
■ Indicated airspeed (IAS) – indicated on the airspeed indicator
■ Calibrated airspeed (CAS) – IAS corrected for instrument & position errors.
■ Equivalent airspeed (EAS) – CAS corrected for compressibility error.
■ True airspeed (TAS) – Actual speed through the air. TAS is CAS corrected for nonstandard temperature and pressure. At
supersonic and transonic speeds, TAS is more accurately derived from EAS, rather than CAS.
■ Mach number – The ratio of TAS to the local speed of sound.
■ Ground speed – Actual speed over the ground. TAS corrected for wind conditions.
AIRSPEED INDICATOR MARKINGS
■ White arc - Flap operating range. Starts at Vs0; ends at Vfe
■ Green arc - Normal operating range.Starts at Vs1; ends at Vno
■ Yellow arc - Caution range. Fly only in smooth air and only with caution.
■ Red line - Vne
V-SPEEDS
■ Va - Design maneuvering speed
■ Vne - Never Exceed Speed
■ Vs - Stall speed, clean config.
■ Vx - Best angle of climb
■ Vs0 - Stall speed landing config.
■ Vy - Best rate of climb
■ Vs1 - Stall speed specific config.
■ Vfe - Max flap extended speed.
■ Vno - Max structural cruise speed

STATIC PORT BLOCKAGE

■ Airspeed indicator – Indicates correctly only at the blockage altitude.
▷ Higher altitudes → airspeed indicates lower than it should.
▷ Lower altitudes → Indicates higher than it should.
■ Altimeter – will freeze on the altitude where it was blocked.
■ VSI – freezes on zero.
▷ After verifying a blockage in the static port, you should use an alternate static source or break the VSI window (in which
case, expect reverse VSI information).
■ When using the alternate static source: (a lower static pressure is measured)
▷ Airspeed indicator – indicate a faster speed than it should.
▷ Altimeter – indicate higher than it should.
▷ VSI – momentarily show a climb.

PITOT TUBE BLOCKAGE

The only instrument affected is the airspeed indicator.
■ Ram air inlet clogged and drain hole open? Airspeed drops to zero.
■ Both air inlet and drain hole are clogged? The airspeed indicator will act as an altimeter, and will no longer be reliable.
■ When suspecting a pitot blockage, consider the use of pitot heat to melt ice that may have formed in or on the pitot tube.

GENERIC INSTRUMENT TAXI CHECK

■ Airspeed – 0 KIAS. ■ VSI – 0 fpm.
■ Turn coordinator – ball centered and wings level when not ■ Magnetic compass – swings freely, full of fluid, shows
turning. On turns: shows turn in correct direction, ball goes to
opposite direction of the turn. known headings and deviation card is installed. Marker
beacons – Tested.
■ Attitude – Correct pitch attitude and bank angle ±°5 within 5
minutes of engine start (if vacuum). ■ NAV & Comm – Set.
■ Heading indicator – Set and shows correct headings. ■ GPS – Checked and set.
■ Altimeter – Set to local altimeter settings or to airport elevation ■ EFIS cockpits – Check PFD/MFD/EICAS for ‘X’s,
(§91.121). Shows surveyed elevation ±75 ft (AIM 7-2-3). messages, warnings and symbols.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 11 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM
MAGNETIC COMPASS ERRORS & LIMITATIONS – “DV MONA”
■ D- Deviation ■ M- Magnetic dip ■ N- North/south turn errors -
■ V- Variation ■ O- Oscillation Northern hemisphere: UNOS Undershoot North/ Overshoot South
■ A- Acceleration errors -
Northern hemisphere: ANDS Accelerate North/ Decelerate South
ELECTRONIC FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS
■ Attitude Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) – Provides more accurate and reliable attitude and heading data than
traditional separate gyro systems. The first AHRS units were very expensive and relied on laser gyros and flux valves. Today
they are based on solid state technologies (no moving parts) and are cheaper, smaller and easier to maintain.
■ Air Data Computers (ADC) – replaces the mechanical pitot-static instruments. The ADC receives inputs from the pitot, static
and outside temperature ports and computes airspeed, true airspeed, vertical speed and altitude.
■ Flight director – computes and displays command bars over the attitude indicator to assist the pilot in flying selected heading,
course or vertical speed.
■ Flight Management System (FMS) – Receives inputs from various sensors and provides guidance to the autopilot and flight
director throughout the flight. The FMS also automatically monitors and selects the most appropriate navigation source for
accurate positioning. (GPS, VOR/DME, INS etc.)
■ Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS) – AKA “Glass cockpit”.
■ Primary Flight Displays (PFD) – Displays flight data such as attitude, altitude, airspeed, VSI and heading as well as rate
tapes.
■ Multi-Function Displays (MFD) – Displays a variety of information such as moving maps, aircraft system status, weather and
traffic. It may also be used as a backup for other displays, such as the PFD or EICAS.

MINIMUM EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR FLIGHT §91.205

For VFR day: For IFR day: all VFR day equipment + GRABCARD
“A TOMATO FLAMES” – For IFR night: all VFR day + VFR night + GRABCARD
A - Altimeter “GRAB CARD” –
G - Generator / alternator.
T - Tachometer for each engine.
R - Radios. Two-way radio communication & navigational equipment
O - Oil temperature indicator for each engine. suitable for the route to be flown.
M - Manifold pressure gauge for each altitude engine. A - Altimeter (sensitive, adjustable for barometric pressure)
A - Airspeed indicator.
B - Ball (slip-skid indicator).
T - Temperature gauge for each liquid cooled engine.
C - Clock. Shows hours, minutes and seconds with sweep-second
O - Oil pressure gauge for each engine. pointer or digital representation. Installed as part of aircraft
equipment.
F - Fuel quantity gauge for each tank.
A - Attitude indicator.
L - Landing gear position lights (if retractable gear).
R - Rate-of-turn indicator.
A - Anticollision lights (for aircraft certified after March
11, 1996). D - Directional gyro (heading indicator).
M - Magnetic direction indicator (magnetic compass). OPERATING WITH INOPERATIVE ITEMS (§91.213)
E - ELT, if required by §91.207.
S - Safety belt / shoulder harness.
Follow MEL Yes Aircraft has an
provisions MEL?
No
For VFR night:
All VFR day equipment + FLAPS
“FLAPS” –
Is the inoperative equipment required by:
■ VFR-day type certification requirements?
F - Fuses (spare set). ■ Equipment list or kind of operations equipment list?
L - Landing light (if for hire) . ■ §91.205 or other regulations for kind of operations?
A - Anticollision lights. ■ An Airworthiness Directive (AD)?
P - Position lights (navigation lights).
S - Source of electrical power (i.e., battery). Yes

No Flying not allowed without a

If operating for hire over water and beyond power-off special flight permit
gliding distance from shore: (unless Part 121)
■ An approved flotation device for each occupant
Flying is permitted, provided:
■ At least one pyrotechnic signaling device
■ Inoperative equipment is removed (affecting weight &
Flight at and above FL240: balance), or
When using VOR for navigation, DME or RNAV is also ■ deactivated and placarded “Inoperative.”
required. ■ Pilot/mechanic determines no hazard from inop. item.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 12 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

RADIO NAVIGATION
VHF OMNI DIRECTIONAL RANGE (VOR)
■ 108.0 to 117.95 MHz, excluding 108.10-111.95 with odd tenths (reserved for LOC frequencies).
■ Full scale deflection: 10º.
■ Standard service volumes do not apply to published routes.
■ Pilot must verify correct and usable VOR station with morse ID before using it.
■ The VOR MON (VOR Minimum Operational Network) program ensures that as old VORs are decommissioned, a
MON airport (i.e.,equipped with legacy ILS or VOR approach) is available within 100 NM regardless of aircraft
position in the CONUS.
STANDARD VOR SERVICE VOLUMES
VOR Receiver Checks (§91.171)
■ Perform every 30 calendar days 60,000 ft
100
▷ VOT ±4º 40 70 NM 45,000 ft
▷ Repair Station ±4º NM NM (new under MON) 130
▷ VOR ground checkpoint ±4º 25 18,000 ft NM 18,000 ft
NM 100
▷ VOR airborne checkpoint ±6º NM 14,500 ft
▷ Dual VOR cross-check ±4º 12,000 ft
40 70 NM (new – MON)
▷ Above a prominent ground 5,000 ft (new) NM 5,000 ft (new)
landmark on a selected radial 1,000 ft 1,000 ft 1,000 ft
at least 20 NM from a VOR,
flying at a “reasonable low Terminal (T) Low (VL) High (VH)
altitude” ±6º
VOR check sign-off (§91.171) VOR limitations
D.E.P.S – ■ Cone of confusion
D - Date
E - Error (bearing error) ■ Reverse sensing (if used incorrectly)
P - Place ■ Requires line-of-sight between aircraft and station.
S - Signature

DISTANCE MEASURING EQUIPMENT (DME)

■ 962-1213 MHz (UHF).
■ Normally tuned automatically with a paired VHF station (VOR/LOC).
■ The Airborne DME unit transmits an interrogation DME SERVICE VOLUMES
signal. 100 NM
■ The ground DME facility receives and replies to the 60,000 ft ATH
interrogation. ATH = Above Transmitter Height 45,000 ft
■ Airborne unit calculates the slant range distance to
the station based on the reply time.
■ Due to slant range error, when flying overhead the 18,000 ft
station, DME indicates greater than zero. 130 NM
■ Slant range error is negligible at 1 NM DME station
per every 1000ft height. For example, at 5000 ft, slant 130 NM 12,900 ft
range error is negligible when further than 5 NM of
the station.
Station Elevation
DME Low (DL) DME High (DH)
NON-DIRECTIONAL BEACON (NDB)
■ 190-535 kHz (also receive and point towards commercial radio AM station at 550 -1650 kHz).
■ Low to medium frequency band.
■ ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) in aircraft points
towards the NDB. NDB Service Volume Classes

■ Magnetic Bearing = Magnetic Heading + Relative Compass Locator 15 NM

Bearing Medium High (MH) 25 NM
COMPASS LOCATOR
High (H) 50 NM (or less, see NOTAM or Chart Supplement)
A low-powered NDB (at least 25 Watts and 15NM range)
installed at the OM or the MM on some ILS approaches. High High (HH) 75 NM

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 13 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM (ILS)

Localizer AIM 1-1-9 35º

10
■ Provides lateral course guidance.

18 NM
Localizer

NM
Antenna 10º
■ Frequencies: 108.1 - 111.95 MHz with odd tenths only. 90 and 150 Hz Array 700’ wide 150 Hz
Runway
signals are carried over the VHF frequency and used by the receiver 3º-6º
interpret the aircraft’s lateral position. 90 Hz
Back Front
■ Width: Between 3°-6° so that the width at the threshold would be 700 Course Course 10º
feet. Usually 5° total width. (2.5 full deflection to each side, 4 times
more sensitive than a VOR). 35º
■ Coverage range: 35° to each side of the centerline for the first 10NM and 10° up to 18NM from the antenna and
up to an altitude of 4500'.
Glide Slope AIM 1-1-9
■ Provides vertical course guidance.
■ Frequencies: 329.3 to 335 MHz (UHF) ,automatically tuned with the localizer.
Vertical position is interpreted by the intensity of 90 and 150 Hz signals False Slope
carried over the UHF frequency and directed above and under the slope. 10
1.4º
■ Width: 1.4º (full deflection is 0.7º either direction). 3º NM
■ Range: typically up to 10 NM. 250-650 ft
■ Slope: typically 3°.
■ Errors: False glide slope above normal glide slope. 750-1,250 ft

Marker Beacons
3 kHz 3 kHz 1300 Hz 400 Hz O
■ Provide range information over specific points M
along the approach. Transmits at 75 MHz. I
■ Outer marker: 4-7 miles out. Indicate the position at
which the aircraft should intercept the GS at the appropriate interception altitude ±50ft. BLUE. “- - -“
■ Middle marker: ~3500ft from the runway. Indicates the approximate point where the GS meets the decision
height. Usually 200ft above the touchdown zone elevation. AMBER. “. - . -”
■ Inner marker: between the MM and runway threshold. Indicates the point where the glide slope meets the DH on
a CAT II ILS approach. WHITE. “. . .”
■ Back course marker: Indicates the FAF on selected back course approaches. Not part of the ILS approach.
WHITE. “.. ..”

Approach Light System (ALS) AIM 2-1-1

■ Provides basic visible means to transition between instrument-guided flight into a visual approach.
ALSF-2
■ ALS extends from the landing threshold into the approach area up to:
▷ 2,400-3,000 feet for precision instrument runways, and
▷ 1,400-1,500 feet for non-precision instrument runways.
■ May include Sequenced Flashing Lights, which appear to the pilot as a ball of light traveling towards the
runway at twice a second (AKA “The Rabbit”).
■ The visible parts of the ALS configuration can help the pilot estimate flight visibility.

ILS Category Lowest Visibility Lowest DH

CAT I 2,400’ or 1,800’ 200’
CAT II 1,200’ 100’
CAT IIIa >700’ <100’ or no DH
CAT IIIb 150’-700’ <50’ or no DH
CAT IIIc 0’ No DH
AIM 1-1-9
Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 14 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

AREA NAVIGATION (RNAV)

■ Allows navigation on any desired path without the need to overfly ground-based facilities.
■ Types:
▷ Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (e.g., GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou)
▷ VOR/DME RNAV
▷ DME/DME RNAV
▷ Inertial Reference Unit / System (IRU/ IRS)
■ RNAV VNAV - Vertical NAVigation guidance.
■ BARO-VNAV - An RNAV system that uses the barometric altitude to compute vertical guidance for the pilot.
■ Published RNAV routes include Q (FL180 to FL450) and T (1,200 AGL to 18,000 MSL) routes and are designated
RNAV 2 unless charted as RNAV 1.
■ Magnetic Reference Bearing (MRB) - the published bearing between two waypoints on an RNAV route.

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)

■ GPS is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) operated by the United States.
■ The constellation consists of a minimum of 24 satellites (with some spares) orbiting above the earth at 10,900
NM. The system is designed so that at least 5 satellites are in view at any given location on earth.
■ The Aircraft’s GPS receiver calculates the distance to a GPS satellite based on the time lapse since the
broadcast timestamp (obtained from an atomic clock onboard the satellite) and the time it received the signal.
■ Using only one satellite, the aircraft could virtually be on any point on a sphere surrounding the satellite, with the
calculated distance (“pseudo-range”) as the sphere’s radius.
■ The GPS receiver uses the intersection of spheres, from multiple satellites, to calculate the aircraft’s
geographical position. Course and speed data are computed from aircraft position changes.
■ At least 3 satellites are required for 2D position. (latitude and longitude); at least 4 satellites are required for
3D position. (latitude, longitude and altitude).
■ Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) is a function of GPS receivers that monitors the integrity of
the satellite signals.
▷ RAIM (fault detection) requires a minimum of 5 satellites, or, 4 satellites + an altimeter input (baro-aided
RAIM)
▷ To eliminate a corrupt satellite (fault exclusion), RAIM needs an additional satellite (total of 6 or 5 + baro-aid)
■ A database loaded into the receiver unit contains navigational data such as: airports, navaids, routes, waypoints
and instrument procedures.
■ Airborne GPS units use great-circle navigation.
■ GPS CDI deflection shows distance, unlike a VOR’s CDI, which presents an angular distance off course in
degrees.
■ GPS can substitute ADF or DME, except for ADF substitution on NDB approaches without a GPS overlay (“or
GPS” in title).
■ Check GPS NOTAMS before the flight and use RAIM prediction if available on your receiver.
■ GPS Augmentation systems, or Differential GPS (DGPS) – Improves the accuracy of GPS by measuring
errors received by reference stations at known geographical locations and then broadcasting those errors to
supported GPS receivers.
▷ Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS)
□ Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) in the US; EGNOS in Europe.
□ Ground stations (Wide-area Reference Stations and Wide-area Master Stations) measure GPS errors and
produce correction signals. These corrections are broadcasted back to the satellite segment from which
they are bounced back to aircraft GPS WAAS receivers to improve accuracy, integrity and availability
monitoring for GPS navigation.
□ Covers a wide area.
□ Facilitates APV approaches such as LPV and LNAV/VNAV and non-precision LP approaches.
▷ Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS)
□ Formerly named Local Area Augmentation System (LAAS) in the US. Now replaced with the ICAO term
“GBAS.”
□ Errors are broadcasted via VHF to GBAS-enabled GPS receivers.
□ GBAS is more accurate than WAAS but covers a much smaller geographical area.
□ Allows for category I and above approaches to GLS DA minima.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 15 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

REQUIRED NAVIGATION PERFORMANCE (RNP)

■ RNP is:
▷ A statement of navigation equipment and service performance.
▷ RNAV with navigation monitoring and alerting.
■ All RNAV approaches are RNP approaches
▷ Most US RNP approaches are titled “RNAV (GPS)”.
▷ US Approaches with “RNAV (RNP)” in the title are “AR” (Authorization Required) approaches, which
require special FAA approval for the crew, aircraft and operation.
▷ In other countries, all RNP approaches may have “RNP” in the title, even those that do not require
special authorization.
RNP approach minima and equipment:
■ GLS DA minima using GBAS (formerly LAAS)
■ LP MDA or LPV DA minima require RNP achieved by WAAS.
■ LNAV / VNAV DA achieved by VNAV-approved WAAS, or BARO-VNAV systems.
■ LNAV MDA - achieved by a basic, unaugmented IFR-approved GPS.
Clarifying The Difference Between RNAV, GNSS, GPS, PBN and RNP
■ Area Navigation (RNAV)
▷ RNAV is a system that enables navigation between any two points without the need to overfly ground-based
stations.
■ GNSS is a broad term for satellite-based RNAV systems.
▷ GPS is the GNSS operated by the USA. Other examples are GLONASS by Russia and Galileo by the EU.
■ Performance Based Navigation (PBN)
▷ PBN is a general basis for navigation equipment standards, in terms of accuracy, integrity, continuity,
availability and functionality for specific operation contexts (e.g., final approach, enroute, missed approach).
■ Required Navigation Performance (RNP)
▷ RNP is a specific statement of PBN for the flight segment and aircraft capability.
▷ RNP is also defined as RNAV + navigation monitoring and alerting functionality.
□ Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) or built-in monitoring in WAAS provide this capability.
▷ Enroute – RNP 2.0 (2 NM accuracy 95% of the flight time)
▷ Terminal & Departure – RNP 1.0 (1 NM accuracy 95% of the flight time)
▷ Final Approach – RNP 0.3 (0.3 NM accuracy 95% of flight time)
▷ Advanced RNP (A-RNP) - a higher RNP standard mandatory for RNP AR, that require capability for:
(AIM 1-2-2)
□ Radius-to-Fix (RF) legs
□ Scalable RNP - can gradually vary between 1.0 and 0.3 (or as low as 0.1) RNP values, and
□ Parallel offset flight path generation

ATTITUDE INSTRUMENT FLYING

Basic attitude instrument flying skills: Common Errors:
■ Cross Check ■ Instrument interpretation ■ Aircraft Control ■ Fixation ■ Omission ■ Emphasis

■ Control & Performance Method – Divides the cockpit panel by control instruments and performance instruments.
First, set the power and attitude, then monitor the performance and make adjustments.
▷ Control instruments
□ Power - Tachometer, Manifold pressure, EPR, N1, etc.
□ Attitude - Attitude Indicator
▷ Performance Instruments
□ Pitch: altimeter, airspeed and VSI
□ Bank: Heading Indicator, Turn Coordinator, and magnetic compass
■ Primary & Supporting Method – Divides the cockpit panel by Pitch, Bank, and Power instruments.
▷ Pitch instruments: Attitude Indicator, Altimeter, Airspeed Ind., and VSI.
▷ Bank instruments: Attitude ind., Heading ind., Mag. Compass, and Turn Coordinator.
▷ Power instruments: Airspeed, Tachometer, Manifold pressure
▷ For a specific maneuver, primary instruments provide the most essential information for pitch, bank and power while
supporting Instruments back up and supplement the information presented by the primary instruments.
▷ Example, for a constant rate climb with a standard rate turn –
□ Primary: Pitch - VSI; Bank - Turn Coordinator; Power - RPM / MP
□ Secondary: Pitch - ASI; attitude, Bank - AI, HI, Mag. Compass; Power - ASI

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 16 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

REQUIRED REPORTS UNDER IFR POSITION REPORT ITEMS

“MARVELOUS VFR C500” - REQUIRED IN NON-RADAR ENVIRONMENT
(AIM 5-3-3, §91.183, §91.187 ) “A PTA TEN R” -
(§91.183, AIM 5-3-2)
■ Missed approach ■ Aircraft ID.
■ Airspeed ±10 kts / 5% change of filed TAS (whichever is
greater) ■ Position.
■ Reaching a holding fix (report time & altitude) ■ Time.
■ VFR on top when an altitude change will be made. ■ Altitude.
■ ETA changed ±2 min, or ±3 min in North Atlantic (NAT) * ■ Type of flight plan (except when communicating with
■ Leaving a holding fix/point ARTCC / Approach control).
■ Outer marker (or fix used in lieu of it) * ■ ETA and name of next reporting fix.
■ Unforecasted weather (§91.183) ■ Name only of the next succeeding point along the
■ Safety of flight (any other information related to safety of route of flight.
flight, §91.183) ■ Any pertinent remarks.
■ Vacating an altitude / FL
HOLDING PATTERN TIMING
■ Final Approach fix *
■ Radio/Nav/approach equipment failure (§91.187) ■ Start timing outbound abeam/over the fix
(whichever is later). Or, if the abeam point cannot
■ Compulsory reporting points ▲ * (§91.183) be determined, start the time at the completion of
■ 500 - unable climb/descent 500 fpm the outbound turn.
■ Adjust the outbound leg so the inbound leg takes:
* Required only in non-radar environments (including ATC
radar failure) ▷ At or below 14,000’ MSL – 1 minute
▷ Above 14,000’ MSL – 1.5 minutes
HOLDING PATTERNS ▷ DME/GPS holds – fly the outbound leg to the
(AIM 5-3-8) specified distance from the fix/waypoint.
■ ATC may assign holding instructions to delay or separate
traffic in the air for reasons such as weather or airport HOLDING SPEEDS
closures.
Non-charted holding clearance items: ■ May be restricted to 175 kts on some instrument
approach procedures
▷ Direction of hold from the fix (e.g., N, W, S, NE)
▷ Holding Fix Altitude (MSL) Max airspeed (kts)
▷ Radial, course, airway, or route on which to hold.
6,000’ or below 200 kts
▷ Leg length in miles (if DME or RNAV) or minutes
otherwise. 6001 - 14,000 230 kts
▷ Direction of turns (if left). Otherwise, right turns are 14,001 and above 265 kts
standard. Air Force fields 310 kts *
▷ Expect Further Clearance (EFC) time Navy Fields 230 kts *
Charted holding clearance items
* Unless published otherwise.
▷ Holding Fix
▷ Direction of hold from fix (e.g., N, W, S,
E) HOLDING ENTRY
▷ EFC Direct - Upon crossing the fix turn to
Di follow the holding pattern
■ Start speed reduction 3 minutes re
70

before reaching the hold fix. ct Parallel - Upon crossing the fix, turn to
º
180º

drop
■ Actions at hold fix and each a heading parallel to the holding
turn point
5 Ts Te a r course outbound for 1 minute. Then
turn into the hold pattern to intercept
▷ Turn the inbound course.
▷ Time Teardrop - Upon crossing the fix,
Pa

▷ Twist turn outbound to a heading 30º into

▷ the pattern. Fly it for 1 minute, then
r

Throttle
al

▷ Talk turn in the direction of the hold turns to

le

MAKE ALL HOLD TURNS: intercept the inbound course.

l

■ 3º per second, or AT THE HOLD FIX, REPORT TO ATC:

0 º
■ 30º bank angle, or
■ 25º bank angle if using a Flight Director 11 “[Callsign] Over [place] [altitude] at [time]”

*Whichever uses the least bank angle

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 17 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

LOST COMMUNICATIONS PROCEDURE §91.185

If in VFR conditions, continue the flight under VFR and land as soon as practicable, otherwise:
Altitude to fly Route to fly
The highest of: Select the route by This order:
“MEA” – “AVEF” –
■ M - Minimum altitude prescribed for IFR ■ A - Assigned route, or, if none:
■ E - Expected (as in: “Expect 5000 10 min after departure”) ■ V - Vectored (fly to fix/route/airway last vectored to), if none:
■ A - Assigned. Last altitude assigned by ATC. ■ E - Last Expected route by ATC, if none:
* Highest for the route segment flown ■ F - Filed route

Leaving the clearance limit

Start descent and approach as close as possible
Yes to the EFC, or ETA
Is the clearance (if no EFC given)
limit a fix from
which an
approach
begins? At EFC or clearance limit (if no EFC given),
No
proceed to a fix from which an approach begins
and start the approach

PROCEDURE TURN Do not fly a procedure turn when: Approach Clearances

165º
§91.175, AIM 5-4-9 345º
“SHARP TT” – ■ When can you descend to the
next instrument approach
■ A PT is a maneuver that enables: ■ Straight-in approach clearance. segment?
■ Holding in lieu of a procedure turn.
▷ Course reversal. ▷ When cleared for the approach
■ DME Arc.
▷ A descent from IAF. ■ Radar vectors to final. and established on a segment of
▷ Inbound course interception. ■ No PT depicted on chart. a published approach or route.
■ Max speed - 200 kts. ■ Timed approach from a hold fix. (AIM 5-5-4)
■ Remain within the charted ■ Teardrop course reversal. ■ Contact approach (AIM 5-5-3)
distance (“Remain within _ NM” ▷ Requested by the pilot in lieu of
note), typically 10 NM, and comply INSTRUMENT APPROACHES
an instrument approach. (Cannot
with published altitudes for ■ Precision
obstacle clearance. be initiated by ATC)
Lateral + vertical guidance to a DA.
▷ Requires at least 1SM ground
■ The shape of the maneuver is ▷ ILS - Instrument Landing System
mandatory if a teardrop or holding- visibility and remain clear of
▷ PAR - Precision Approach Radar
in-lieu of a PT is published. clouds.
▷ GLS - GBAS Landing System
Otherwise, only the direction of the ▷ Only at airports with approved
turn is mandatory. ■ Non-Precision instrument approach procedures.
lateral guidance only. Flown to MDA.
■ A teardrop procedure may be ▷ Pilot assumes responsibility for
published in lieu of a PT. In that ▷ VOR
obstruction clearance.
case: ▷ NDB
■ Visual approach (AIM 5-5-11)
▷ No IF published? Intermediate ▷ RNAV / RNP to LNAV or LP Minima
▷ LOC - Localizer ▷ Initiated by ATC or the pilot.
segment begins 10 miles prior to
▷ LDA - Localizer-type Directional Aid. ▷ Requires at least 1000’ ceiling
the final approach fix.
▷ Nav facility located on the Identical to a LOC but not aligned with and 3SM visibility. (IFR in VMC)
airport? Final approach starts at the runway. ▷ Pilot must have either the airport
completion of the teardrop turn. ▷ SDF - Simplified Directional Facility. or the traffic to follow in sight.
However, the final approach Similar to a LOC with 6º or 12º width. ▷ Pilot is responsible for visual
segment begins on the final May be aligned or not with the runway.
approach course 10 miles from separation from traffic to follow.
▷ ASR - Approach Surveillance Radar
the facility.
■ Approach with Vertical Guidance (APV). Missed Approach (AIM 5-5-5)
■ A PT or hold-in-lieu-of-PT is
mandatory when depicted on the A precision-like approach, flown to a DA ■ Execute a missed approach when:
approach chart. However, it is not with lateral + vertical guidance, but does ▷ Arrival at MAP or DH with
permitted when: “NoPT” depicted not meet precision approach standards. insufficient visual reference to
on the chart, when receiving runway environment.
radar vectors to final or when ▷ RNAV / GNSS (i.e, LNAV/VNAV and
conducting a timed approach LPV minima) ▷ A safe approach is not possible.
from a holding fix. ▷ LDA with Glide Slope ▷ Instructed to do so by ATC.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 18 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

When can you descend below MDA / DA? (§91.175)

1. The aircraft is continuously in a position from which a descent to a landing on the intended runway can be made at a
normal rate of descent using normal maneuvers.
2. The flight visibility (or the enhanced flight visibility, if equipped) is not less than the visibility prescribed in the standard
instrument approach being used.
3. At least one of the following visual references for the intended runway is distinctly visible and identifiable to the pilot:
(except for CAT II & III approaches)
i. The approach light system, except that the pilot may not descend below 100 feet above the touchdown zone elevation
using the approach lights as a reference unless the red terminating bars or the red side row bars are also distinctly
visible and identifiable.
ii. The threshold.
iii. The threshold markings.
iv. The threshold lights.
v. The runway end identifier lights.
vi. The visual glideslope indicator.
vii. The touchdown zone or touchdown zone markings.
viii. The touchdown zone lights.
ix. The runway or runway markings.
x. The runway lights.
VISUAL DESCENT POINT (VDP) (AIM 5-4-5)
■ A defined point on the final approach course of a non-precision straight-in approach procedure from which normal descent
from the MDA to the runway touchdown point may begin, provided adequate visual reference is established.
■ Identified by a ‘V’ symbol on the descent profile.
■ If not equipped to identify the VDP, fly the approach as if no VDP was published.
■ Do not descend below the MDA prior to reaching the VDP.
■ Calculate VDP, when not published: By distance: VDP (in NM from threshold) = MDH / 300
Example: Given MDH is 600 ft, how far is the VDP from the threshold?
VDP = 600 / 300 = 2 NM
Start the descent 2 NM from the threshold.
By time: MDH / 10 = seconds to subtract from time between FAF and MAP
Example: Given MDH is 500 ft, FAF to MAP is 4:00, when would you be over the VDP and start the descent from MDA/H?
500 / 10 = 50 seconds. 4:00 - 0:50 = 3:10
Start the descent at 3:10 (time from FAF)

VERTICAL DESCENT ANGLE (VDA) (AIM 5-4-5)

■ A computed glide path from the FAF to the runway’s TCH published for non-precision approaches. Typically 3º.
■ FAA policy is to publish a VDA/TCH on all non-precision approaches except those published in conjunction with vertically
guided minimums (i.e., ILS or LOC RWY XX) or no FAF procedures without a stepdown fix (i.e., on-airport VOR or NDB). A
VDA does not guarantee obstacle protection below the MDA in the visual segment. The presence of a VDA does not change
any non-precision approach requirements.
■ VDAs are advisory only, pilots must still comply with all published altitudes on the procedure.
Rate of Descent for a 3º Glide Path Other Glide Path Angles
Descent gradient (%) = tan(descent angle) X 100
VS (fpm) = Ground Speed X (10 / 2), or
VS (fpm) = Ground Speed X 5 Descent angle Gradient (%) = tan(angle)
Example:
120 kts X (10 / 2) = 120 kts X 5 = 600 fpm 2º 3.5%

How Far to Start a Descent for a 3º Glide Path? 3º 5.2%

TOD = Altitude to lose (ft) / 300 4º 7%
Example, on approach 5º 8.7%
800 ft to lose MDA to TCH:
VS (fpm) = Groundspeed X Descent Gradient (%)
800/300 = 2.67 NM TOD = Altitude to lose / (glidepath angle *100)
Start descent 2.67 NM from the runway threshold. Example
Example At FL350, ATC:”...cross LGA VOR at FL240”, pilot elects a
Cruising at FL350, ATC: “...cross LGA VOR at FL240”: steep 4º slope, 380 kts GS:
Altitude to lose = 35,000 - 24,000 = 11,000 ft VS = 380 X 7 = 2660 fpm
11000/300 = 36.67 NM TOD = 11000 / 400 = 27.5 NM
Start descent 36.67 NM from LGA VOR Start the descent 27.5NM from LGA at 2800 fpm

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 19 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM
AIRSPACE
Class A (AIM 3-2-2) way radio communication is established and in the Class
■ Controlled airspace from 18,000' MSL to FL600 within the 48 C airspace itself.
contiguous states and Alaska. Includes the airspace within 12 ■ Requires two-way radio communication, a Mode-C
NM of the shoreline as well as designated international airspace transponder and ADS-B Out equipment.
beyond the 12 NM distance.
Class D (AIM 3-2-5)
■ IFR only unless otherwise authorized. ■ Controlled airspace extending from the surface to 2,500'
Class B (AIM 3-2-3, §91.131) above airport height.
■ Controlled airspace surrounding the nation's busiest airports. ■ Usually shaped as a cylinder with a 4 NM radius from the
■ Usually extends from the surface up to 10,000' MSL. primary airport.
■ The shape of each class B is specifically tailored for its ■ Requires two-way radio communication.
environment. Class E (AIM 3-2-6)
■ Consist of a surface area and two or more layers (resembling an ■ Controlled airspace not designated as A, B, C, or D.
upside-down wedding cake). ■ May or may not be associated with an airport.
■ Requires two-way radio communications. ■ Requires Mode-C transponder and ADS-B Out equipment
■ ATC separates both VFR and IFR traffic. at and above 10,000' MSL within the 48 contiguous states
■ Requires ATC clearance to enter. VFR pilots must make sure and D.C, excluding at or below 2,500' AGL.
they hear a clearance to “Enter Class B”. IFR pilots will typically ■ Requires ADS-B Out at and above 3,000' MSL over the
already have this clearance as part of their ATC clearance picked Gulf of Mexico from the U.S. coast out to 12 NM.
up before or after takeoff. ■ Functions of Class E:
■ A Mode-C transponder and ADS-B Out equipment are required
within a 30 NM radius (the "Mode-C Veil"). ▷ Surface area designated for an airport.
▷ Extension to a surface area of Class B, C, or D.
Class C (AIM 3-2-4)
▷ Transition area. Begins at 700' or 1200' AGL used to
■ Controlled airspace around towered airports with certain
number of IFR operations or passenger volume. transition to/from a terminal or en-route environment.
▷ En-route domestic areas
■ Typical inner area is a 5 NM radius surrounding its primary
airport, extending up to 4,000' above airport height. ▷ Federal Airways / Low Altitude RNAV Routes
▷ Offshore Airspace Areas
■ A 10 NM radius shelf area typically extends from no lower than
Class G (AIM 3-3)
1,200' up to 4,000' above airport height.
■ Uncontrolled airspace. Class G airspace is generally
■ A non-charted outer area extends up to 20 NM from the primary any airspace that has not been designated as Class A, B,
airport. C, D, or E.
■ ATC Provides VFR/ IFR traffic separation in the outer area if two-

BASIC VFR WEATHER MINIMUMS §91.155

* Minimum visibility & distance from clouds mnemonics: Class A: IFR only
3152 – 3SM, 1000’ above, 500’ below, 2000’ horizontal.
Class E at or above 10,000’ MSL &
1152 – 1SM, 1000’ above, 500’ below, 2000’ horizontal.
Class G at / above 10,000’ MSL & 1,200’ AGL:
5111 – 5SM, 1000’ above, 1000’ below, 1SM horizontal.
5111 * 10,000’ MSL
Class E below 10,000’ MSL: 3152 *
B
Class G above 1,200’ AGL but below 10,000’
MSL: Day: 1152 * Night: 3152 *
3SM Visibility &
C stay Clear of Clouds 1,200’ AGL

3152* Class G at or below 1,200’ AGL:

D Day: 1 SM clear of clouds
Night: 3152 * or 1SM Clear of Clouds if in
3152* a traffic pattern within ½ SM from a
runway. Surface

■ When the cloud ceiling is less than 1,000 feet, no person may operate an aircraft beneath the ceiling under VFR
within the lateral boundaries of controlled airspace designated to the surface for an airport. Except under Special
VFR (SVFR- §91.157).
■ Minimum ground visibility for landing, takeoff, or entering a traffic pattern at an airport within the lateral
boundaries of Class B, C, D, or E surface areas is 3 SM. If ground visibility is not reported, use flight visibility. (Except
under Special VFR, §91.157).
■ For the purpose of §91.155, an aircraft operating at the base altitude of a Class E airspace area is considered to
be within the airspace directly below that area.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 20 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

Prohibited Areas (§91.133, AIM 3-4-2) ■ Activities are suspended immediately when a spotter
■ Flight is prohibited unless permission is granted by the aircraft, radar or ground lookout positions indicate an
using or controlling agency, as appropriate. aircraft might be approaching the area.
■ Prohibited airspace exists due to security or other ■ CFAs are not charted because they do not cause a
reasons associated with the national welfare. nonparticipating aircraft to change its flight path.
■ Example: Prohibited airspace P-56A over the White Military Training Routes (MTR) (AIM 3-5-2)
House. ■ IFR MTRs (IR) are typically above 1,500' AGL, while
Restricted Areas (§91.133, AIM 3-4-3) VFR MTRs (VR) are below 1,500' AGL.
■ Flight is not completely prohibited, but is subject to ■ Generally, MTRs are established below 10,000 ft at
restrictions due to hazards to aircraft such as artillery speeds in excess of 250 knots. However, route
firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles. segments may exist at higher altitudes.
■ No person may operate an aircraft within a restricted ■ Route identification
area contrary to the restrictions imposed, unless that ▷ MTRs with no segments above 1,500' AGL are
person has the permission of the using or controlling identified by 4 digits; e.g., IR1206, VR1207.
agency. ▷ MTRs that include one or more segments above
■ If the restricted airspace is not active and has been 1,500' AGL are identified by three digits; e.g., IR206,
released to the controlling agency (FAA), ATC will allow VR207.
the aircraft to operate in the restricted airspace Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) (AIM 5-6)
without a specific clearance to do so.
■ An area of airspace over land or water, in which the
■ If the restricted airspace is active, and has not been ready identification, location, and control of all aircraft
released to the controlling agency (FAA), ATC will issue (except DoD and law enforcement aircraft) is required
a clearance which will ensure the aircraft avoids the in the interest of national security.
restricted airspace unless it is on an approved altitude
■ Requirements to operate within an ADIZ:
reservation mission or has obtained its own permission to
operate in the airspace and so informs the controlling ▷ An operable Transponder with altitude encoding.
agency. ▷ Two-way radio communication with the appropriate
Warning Areas (AIM 3-4-4) aeronautical facility.
■ Extends 3 NM outward from the coast of the U.S. ▷ File an IFR or Defense VFR (DVFR) Flight Plan.
▷ Depart within 5 minutes of flight plan's estimated
■ Contains activity that may be hazardous to aircraft.
departure time (exempt in Alaska info facility exists
■ The purpose of warning areas is to warn nonparticipating for filing, file immediately after departure or when
aircraft of the potential hazard. within range of an appropriate facility).
■ May be located on domestic or international water, or Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) (AIM 3-5-3)
both. ■ Defined in Flight Data Center (FDC) NOTAMs
Military Operating Areas (MOA) (AIM 3-4-5) ■ TFR NOTAMs begin with the phrase: "FLIGHT
■ Established for the purpose of separating certain military RESTRICTIONS."
training activities from IFR traffic. ■ Current TFRs are found at: www.tfr.faa.gov.
■ When a MOA is in use, nonparticipating IFR aircraft may ■ Some reasons the FAA may establish a TFR:
be cleared through it if IFR separation can be provided.
Otherwise, ATC will reroute or restrict the traffic. ▷ Protect persons or property in the air or on the
■ Example activities in an MOA: air combat tactics, air surface from hazards by low flying aircraft.
intercepts, aerobatics, formation training, and low-altitude ▷ Provide a safe environment for disaster relief
tactics. aircraft.
■ Pilots operating under VFR should exercise extreme ▷ Prevent an unsafe congestion of sightseeing aircraft
caution when operating within an active MOA. Therefore, around an event of high public interest.
pilots should contact any FSS within 100 miles of the ▷ Protect declared national disasters for humanitarian
area to obtain accurate real-time information concerning reasons in the State of Hawaii.
the MOA hours of operation. Prior to entering an active ▷ Protect the President, Vice President, or other
MOA, pilots should contact the controlling agency for public figures.
traffic advisories. ▷ Provide a safe environment for space agency
Alert Areas (AIM 3-4-6) operations.
■ Depicted on charts to inform pilots of high volume of pilot Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) (AIM 3-5-7)
training or an unusual type of aerial activity. ■ An airspace of defined dimensions above land areas or
■ Pilots transitioning the area are equally responsible for territorial waters, where special air traffic rules have
collision avoidance. been established for.
Controlled Firing Areas (AIM 3-4-7) ■ Each person operating in a SATR (Special Air Traffic
Rules) or SFRA must adhere to the special air traffic
■ Contain activities that, if not conducted in a controlled rules in 14 CFR Part 93, unless otherwise authorized or
environment, may be hazardous to nonparticipating required by ATC.
aircraft.
■ Example: The Washington DC Metropolitan SFRA.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 21 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

MAX AIRCRAFT AIRSPEEDS IN THE U.S. §91.117

■ Mach 1.0 (speed of sound): above 10,000' MSL. (§91.817)

■ 250 kts: below 10,000' MSL.
■ 200 kts: under Class B, or within a VFR corridor through Class B.
■ 200 kts: at or below 2,500' within 4 NM of the primary airport of a Class C or D airspace.
■ If the aircraft minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the max speed prescribed
above, the aircraft may be operated at that minimum speed.

WEATHER
WEATHER INFORMATION SOURCES WEATHER PRODUCTS
■ Flight Service Station (FSS) ■ AIRMET (WA) –
■ NOAA’s Aviation Weather Center Website ▷ An advisory of significant weather phenomena
https://www.aviationweather.gov/ at lower intensities than those which require
■ Flight planning websites such as www.1800wxbrief.com the issuance of SIGMETs. These conditions may
affect all aircraft but are potentially hazardous
and www.fltplan.com
to aircraft with limited capability.
■ EFB software (i.e., ForeFlight, Jeppesen FlightDeck Pro)
▷ Valid for 6 hours.
■ Flight Information Services-Broadcast (FIS-B) – A ▷ AIRMET (T) - describes moderate turbulence,
ground information data link service, provided through the sustained surface winds of 30 knots or greater,
ADS-B service network over 978 UAT MHz. Provides and/or non-convective low-level wind shear.
aviation weather and aeronautical information on cockpit ▷ AIRMET (Z) - describes moderate icing and
displays. Some information available on FIS-B: provides freezing level heights.
▷ METAR, TAF, NEXRAD, AIRMET, SIGMETs and ▷ AIRMET (S) - describes IFR conditions and/or
convective SIGMETs extensive mountain obscurations.
▷ TFR, Special Use Airspace updates and NOTAMs (FDC ▷ Graphical AIRMETs (AIRMET G) – found at www.
and distant) aviationweather.gov
▷ PIREPs ■ SIGMET (WS) –
■ Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) – A ▷ A non-scheduled inflight advisory with a
continuous broadcast of local airport weather and maximum forecast period of 4 hours. Advises of
NOTAMs. Updated hourly, normally at 55 minutes past the non-convective weather potentially hazardous to all
hour. Special updates issued outside the regular hourly types of aircraft. A SIGMET is issued when the
cycle when needed. ATIS is published over the radio and, following is expected to occur:
in locations with D-ATIS, via data link (ACARS). ▷ Severe icing not associated with
■ Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) – thunderstorms
Typically update hourly ▷ Severe or extreme turbulence or Clear Air
■ Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) Turbulence (CAT) not associated with
– Update every minute thunderstorms.
■ ATC - Center weather advisories are issued by ARTCC to ▷ Dust storms, sandstorms lowering surface
alert pilots of existing or anticipated adverse weather visibility below 3 miles.
conditions. ARTCC will also broadcast severe forecast ■ Convective SIGMET (WST) –
alerts (AWW), convective SIGMETs and SIGMETs on all of ▷ An inflight advisory of convective weather
its frequencies except for the emergency frequency (121.5 significant to the safety of all aircraft.
MHz). ▷ Issued hourly at 55 minutes past the hour for the
■ Onboard weather radar western (W), eastern (E) and central (C) USA.
■ Onboard lightning detector □ Not issued for Alaska or Hawaii.
▷ Valid for 2 hours.
■ XM Satellite weather service
▷ Contains either an observation and a forecast or
■ ACARS only a forecast.
TYPES OF WEATHER BRIEFINGS
▷ Issued for any of the following:
□ Severe thunderstorms due to:
■ Standard – A full briefing. Includes: adverse conditions, VFR ◦ Surface winds greater or equal to 50 knots
not recommended, synopsis, current conditions, enroute ◦ Hail at the surface greater than 3/4 inch in
forecast, destination forecast, winds aloft, NOTAMs and ATC
delays.
diameter
□ Tornadoes
■ Abbreviated – Updates previously received information from □ Embedded thunderstorms of any intensity
mass disseminated sources or a previous briefing. level
■ Outlook – For departures 6 or more hours away. Includes □ A line of thunderstorms at least 60 miles long
forecasts for the time of the flight. with thunderstorms affecting at least 40% of its
■ Inflight – FSS also provides any of the above types in flight. length.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 22 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

Weather Products - Continued

□ Thunderstorms producing heavy or greater ■ Low level significant weather chart – Forecasts
precipitation (VIP level 4) affecting at least 40% significant weather conditions for a 12 and 24 hour
of an area of at least 3000 square miles. period from the surface to 400 mb level (24,000 ft).
▷ Any Convective SIGMET implies severe or Issued 4 times a day. Depicts weather categories (IFR,
greater turbulence, severe icing, and low level MVFR and VFR), turbulence and freezing levels.
wind shear. ■ Mid-level significant weather chart – Forecasts of
■ International SIGMET significant weather at various altitudes and flight levels
▷ Issued outside the Contiguous USA and follow from 10,000’ MSL to FL450. Shows: thunderstorms, jet
ICAO coding standards. streams, tropopause height, tropical cyclones, moderate
and severe icing conditions, moderate or severe
▷ In the US, international SIGMETs are issued for
turbulence, cloud coverage and type, volcanic ash and
areas that include Alaska, Hawaii, portions of the areas of released radioactive materials. Issued 4 times
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the Gulf of a day for the North Atlantic Region.
Mexico.
▷ Criteria for international SIGMETs: ■ High-level significant weather charts – Depicts
□ Thunderstorms occurring in lines, embedded in forecasts of significant weather phenomena for FL250
clouds, or in large areas producing tornadoes or to FL630. Shows: coverage bases and tops of
large hail. thunderstorms and CB clouds, moderate and severe
□ Tropical cyclones turbulence, jet streams, tropopause heights, tropical
□ Severe icing cyclones, severe squall lines, volcanic eruption sites,
□ Severe or extreme turbulence widespread sand and dust storms. Issued 4 times a
□ Dust storms and sandstorms lowering surface day.
visibility to less than 3 miles ■ Convective outlook (AC) – Available in both graphical
□ Volcanic ash and textual format. A 3-day forecast of convective
■ PIREP (UA) & Urgent PIREP (UUA) – pilot weather activity. Convective areas are classified as marginal
reports. (MRGL), slight (SLGT), enhanced (ENH), moderate
■ METAR – Aviation routine weather show surface (MDT), and high (HIGH) risk for severe weather.
weather observations in a standard international Issuance: day 1 – 5 times a day, day 2 – twice a day,
format. Scheduled METARs are published every hour. day 3 – once a day. Available on www.spc.noaa.gov.
Non-scheduled METARS (SPECI) are issued when ■ Weather satellite images:
there is a significant change in one or more reported ▷ Visible
element since the last scheduled METAR. □ Helps in identifying cloud coverage based on
■ TAF – Terminal Aerodrome Forecast. Weather forecast visible light reflection.
for 5SM radius area around the station. Issued 4 times □ Not useful for identifying cloud height.
a day, every six hours and normally covers a 24 or 30 ▷ Infrared (Color or B/W)
hour forecast period. TAF amendments (TAF AMD) □ Measure cloud top temperature
supersede previous TAFs. □ Highest clouds appear bright white.
■ Surface analysis chart –Generated from surface □ Middle clouds are in shades of gray
station reports. Shows pressure systems, isobars, □ Low clouds and fog are dark gray,
fronts, airmass boundaries (e.g,: dry lines and outflow ▷ Water vapor
boundaries) and station information (e.g,: wind, □ Shows areas of moist and dry air in shades of gray
temperature/dew point, sky coverage, and from white to black.
precipitation). Issued every 3 hours. (or every 6 hours □ Moist air areas are depicted as bright white
in Hawaii and tropical and Oceanic regions). □ Dry air is depicted in black.
A Unified Surface Analysis Chart is produced every 6 ■ Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) products.
hours and combines the analysis from the 4 centers Examples:
(OPC, WPC, NHC and HFO) ▷ Base reflectivity - echo intensities in dBZ. Available
■ Radar summary chart (SD) – Depicts precipitation for several elevation tilt angles.
type, intensity, coverage, movement, echoes, and ▷ Echo tops - color coded echo top heights.
maximum tops. Issued hourly ▷ Composite reflectivity - Reveals highest reflectivity
■ Wind & temp aloft forecasts (FB) – Issued 4 times of all echos, helps in examining storm structure
daily for various altitudes and flight levels. features and the intensity of storms.
Winds at altitude up to 1500’ AGL and temperatures at ▷ 1 and 3-hour precipitation
up to 2500’ AGL are not shown. ■ Ceiling & Visibility Charts- Shows ceiling based on
Format: DDff±tt, where DD = wind direction; ff = wind surface observations. This online tool phased out the
speed; tt = temperature. Light and variable winds: older weather depiction chart and is now replaced with
9900. Winds between 100-199 Kt are coded by adding the HEMS tool at www.aviationweather.gov/hemst
5 to the first digit of the wind direction. ■ Graphical turbulence Guidance (GTG) tool at www.
Above FL240 temperatures are negative and the minus aviationweather.gov/turbulence/gtg – Shows color
sign (-) is omitted. coded turbulence forecast based on aircraft category,
Examples: altitude and time.
1312+05: winds 130 / 12 kts, 5°C.
7525-02: winds 250 / 125 kts, -2° C.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 23 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

WEATHER HAZARDS

THUNDERSTORMS

The Three Conditions Required for the formation of Thunderstorms:

1. Sufficient water vapor (moisture).
2. An unstable temperature lapse rate. Stability is the resistance of the atmosphere to upwards or downwards
displacement. An unstable lapse rate allows any air mass displacement to further grow vertically.
3. An initial uplifting force (e.g., front passages, orographic lifting by topography, heating from below, etc.).
Three Stages in Thunderstorm Lifecycle:
1. Cumulus (3-5 mile height) – The lifting action of the air begins, growth rate may exceed 3000 fpm.
2. Mature (5-10 miles height) – Begins when precipitation starts falling from the cloud base. Updraft at this stage
may exceed 6000 fpm. Downdrafts may exceed 2500 fpm. All thunderstorm hazards are at their greatest
intensity at the mature stage.
3. Dissipating (5-7 miles height) – Characterized by strong downdrafts and the cell dying rapidly.
Thunderstorm Hazards:
■ Limited visibility ■ Strong updrafts / downdrafts ■ Hailstones ■ Severe turbulence
■ Wind shear ■ Icing ■ Heavy rain ■ Lightning strikes and tornadoes.

FOG
A cloud that begins within 50 ft of the surface.
Fog occurs when:
■ The air temperature near the ground reaches its dew point, or
■ when the dew point is raised to the existing temperature by added moisture to the air.
Types of fog
■ Radiation fog – Occurs at calm, clear nights when the ground cools rapidly due to the release of ground
radiation.
■ Advection fog – Warm, moist air moves over a cold surface. Winds are required for advection fog to form.
■ Ice fog – Forms when the temperature is much below freezing and water vapor turns directly into ice crystals.
Ice fog is common in the arctic regions, but also occurs in mid-latitudes.
■ Upslope fog – Moist, stable air is forced up a terrain slope and cooled down to its dew point by adiabatic
cooling.
■ Steam fog – Cold, dry air moves over warm water. Moisture is added to the airmass and steam fog forms.

ICING
■ Structural Ice. Two conditions for formation: 1. Visible moisture (i.e., rain, cloud droplets), and 2. Aircraft
surface temperature below freezing.
▷ Clear ice– The most dangerous type. Heavy, hard and difficult to remove. Forms when water drops freeze
slowly as a smooth sheet of solid ice. Usually occurs at temperatures close to the freezing point (-10° to 0° C)
by large supercooled drops of water
▷ Rime ice – Opaque, white, rough ice formed by small supercooled water drops freezing quickly. Occurs at
lower temperatures than clear ice.
▷ Mixed ice – Clear and rime ice formed simultaneously.
■ Instrument ice – Structural ice forming over aircraft instruments and sensors, such as pitot and static.
■ Induction ice – ice reducing the amount of air for the engine intake.
■ Intake ice – Blocks the engine intake.
■ Carburetor ice – May form due to the steep temperature drop in the carburetor Venturi. Typical conditions are
outside air temperatures of -7° to 21° C and a high relative humidity (above 80%).
■ Frost – Ice crystals caused by deposition when both the temperature and the dew point are below freezing.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 24 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane
AEROMEDICAL (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge) )
■ Hypoxia - Insufficient supply of oxygen to the body cells.
▷ Hypoxic hypoxia – Insufficient supply of O2 to the body as a whole. As altitude increases, O2 percentage of the atmosphere
is constant, but its pressure decreases. The reduced pressure becomes insufficient for the O2 molecules to pass through the
respiratory system’s membranes.
▷ Hypemic hypoxia – Inability of the blood to carry the O2 molecules. It may be a result of insufficient blood (bleeding or blood
donation), anemia or CO poisoning.
▷ Histotoxic hypoxia – Inability of the body cells to affectively use the O2 supplied by the blood. This can be caused by use of
alcohol or drugs.
▷ Stagnant hypoxia - Caused by the blood not flowing efficiently. Can be caused by heart problems, excessive acceleration
(Gs), shock or a constricted blood vessel. Cold temperatures can restrict circulation and decrease blood supplied to the
extremities.
■ Hyperventilation – A condition which occurs when excessive amount of CO2 is eliminated from the body as a result of
breathing too rapidly. Symptoms may be similar to those of hypoxia. Breathing into a paper bag or talking aloud helps recovery
from hyperventilation.
■ Decompression sickness – Inert gasses (mainly nitrogen) are released rapidly from solution in the body tissues and fluids
as a result of low barometric pressure. The gasses form bubbles that may harm the body in several ways. The most common
result of decompression sickness is joint pain (“the bends”). To help prevent the bends after SCUBA diving: wait at least 12
hours after diving that does not require a controlled ascent (non-decompression stop diving) for flights up to 8000 ft
MSL; wait 24 hours for flights above 8000 ft or after any diving that required a controlled ascent (decompression stop
diving).
Oxygen requirements (§91.211, Note: see §121.327-121.333 & §135.89, §135.157 for 121/135 operations O2 rules)
■ Unpressurized cabins
▷ Cabin pressure altitudes above 12,500 to 14,000’ MSL (including) – The required minimum flight crew must be provided
with and must use supplemental O2 for periods of flight over 30 minutes at these altitudes.
▷ Cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000’ – The required minimum flight crew must be provided with and must use
supplemental O2 the entire flight time at these altitudes.
▷ Cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000’ MSL – Each occupant must be provided with supplemental O2.
■ Pressurized cabins
▷ Above FL250 - an addition of at least 10 minutes of supplemental O2 for each occupant is required.
▷ Above FL350 - one pilot at the controls must wear and use an O2 mask unless two pilots are at the control with
quick-donning masks and the aircraft is at or below FL410.
▷ If one pilot leaves the controls above FL350, the other pilot must wear and use his O2 mask regardless if it’s a quick
donning type.
■ Middle Ear & Sinus blockage
▷ Air pressure in the middle ear and sinuses normally equalizes with external air through the nasal passages.
▷ Allergies, colds or sinus infections may block these small opening and prevent the pressure from equalizing.
▷ If the air gets trapped, it may cause extreme pain, reduction in hearing or damage to the ear drums. This effect is usually most
severe during descent.
▷ To relieve this condition, try the “Valsalva Maneuver“: pinch your nostrils and gently try to blow air out of your nose. This
forces air through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear. It may not work if the pilot has a cold, sinus or ear infection, or a
sore throat.
▷ Consider seeing a physician if the condition doesn’t clear after the flight.
■ Spatial disorientation and illusions
▷ 3 systems the body uses for spatial orientation
□ Vestibular System - Consists of organs in the inner ear
◦ 3 semicircular canals sense movement in 3 axes: pitch, roll and yaw. The canals are filled with fluid, which moves
against tiny sensory hairs as the head is moved. The brain gets these signals and interprets a sensation of movement.
◦ 2 otolith organs, the utricle and saccule, sense acceleration in the horizontal and vertical planes.
□ Somatosensory System - Consists of nerves in the skin, muscles and joints.
□ Visual System - Visual cues from our eyes help the brain figure out spatial orientation.
▷ Vestibular Illusions
□ The leans - After leveling the wings following a prolonged turn, pilot may feel that the aircraft is banked in the opposite
direction of the turn.
□ Coriolis Illusion - After a prolonged turn, the fluid in the ear canal moves at same speed as the canal. A head movement
on a different plane will cause the fluid to start moving and result in a false sensation of acceleration or turning on a
different axis.
□ Graveyard Spiral - A pilot in a prolonged, coordinated constant-rate turn may experience the illusion of not turning. After
leveling the wings, the pilot may feel the sensation of turning to the other direction (“the leans”), causing the pilot to turn
back in the original direction. Since a higher angle of attack is required during a turn to remain level, the pilot may notice a
loss of altitude and apply back force on the elevator. This may tighten the spiral and increase the loss of altitude.
□ Somatogravic Illusion - Rapid acceleration stimulates the inner ear otolith organs in the same way as tilting the head
backwards. This may create the illusion of a higher pitch angle. Deceleration causes the opposite illusion – the sensation of
tilting the head forward and the aircraft being in a nose-low attitude.
□ Inversion Illusion - An abrupt change from climb to straight and level may create the illusion of tumbling backwards due to
the fluid movement in the otolith organs.
□ Elevator Illusion - An abrupt upward vertical acceleration may create the illusion of climbing, due to fluid movement in the
otolith organs.
Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 25 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

Spatial disorientation and illusions - continued

▷ Visual Illusions
□ False Horizon - An illusion in which the pilot may misidentify the horizon line. May be caused by sloping cloud formation,
an obscured horizon, an aurora borealis, dark night with scattered lights and stars or the geometry of the ground
□ Autokinesis - Staring at a stationary point of light in a dark or featureless scene for a prolonged period of time may cause
the light to appear to be moving. A pilot may attempt to align the aircraft with the perceived moving light, resulting in loss of
control.
▷ Optical Illusions
□ Runway Width Illusion - During approach to land, a narrow runway may give the pilot the illusion that the airplane is too
high, whereas a wide runway may make it seem too low.
□ Runway and Terrain Slope Illusion - An up-sloping terrain or runway can give the illusion that the plane is higher than it
actually is.
□ Featureless Terrain Illusion - Also known as “black hole approach.” Flying over dark or featureless terrain (for example,
during an over-water approach) can give the illusion that the aircraft is at a higher altitude, causing the pilot to fly lower
than desired.
□ Water Refraction - Light refraction due to rain on the windshield may cause the horizon to seem lower and, as a result, the
aircraft to appear higher. This illusion may lead the pilot to fly lower than desired.
□ Haze - During an approach, haze may give the illusion that the runway is further or that the airplane is higher than it is.
□ Fog - Flying into fog may create an illusion of a nose-up motion.
□ Ground Lighting Illusion -
◦ Lights along straight paths (e.g., road or train lights) can be mistaken for runway or approach lights.
◦ Bright runway and approach lights can make the runway appear closer than it is, especially when the surrounding terrain
is dark. This illusion may lead the pilot to fly a higher approach than desired.

Coping with spatial disorientation (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

1. Understand the causes of the illusions that may affect you as a pilot and stay alert for them when flying.
2. Obtain and understand relevant preflight weather information.
3. Maintain instrument proficiency and obtain training if needed before flying in marginal or instrument conditions.
4. Do not fly into adverse weather conditions or into dark or featureless areas unless instrument proficient.
5. When using outside visual references, ensure they are reliable, fixed points on the earth’s surface.
6. Avoid sudden head movements, particularly during takeoff, turns, and approaches to landing.
7. Be physically tuned for flight into reduced visibility. Ensure proper rest, adequate diet, and, if flying at night, allow
for night adaptation. Remember that illness, medication, alcohol, fatigue, sleep loss, and mild hypoxia are likely to
increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation.
8. Most importantly, become proficient in the use of flight instruments and rely upon them. Trust the
instruments and disregard your sensory perceptions.

TABLES & REFERENCES

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 26 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

Tables & References - Continued

VOR Time & Distance Transponder Codes

Distance off course = 200 ft per dot per NM from VOR Code Description

7500 Aircraft hijacking

Distance to station = TAS X min between bearings / degrees of BRG change
7600 Radio Failure
Time (minutes) to station = Seconds of BRG change / degrees of BRG change
7700 Emergency

Standard Rate Turn - Angle of Bank Calculation RVR (ft) Visibility (SM)
(KTAS / 10) X 1.5 1,600 1/4
Example: 120 KTAS 2,400 1/2
(120 / 10) x 1.5 = 12 x 1.5 = 18º of bank
3,200 5/8

4,000 3/4
Aircraft Approach Categories
4,500 7/8
Standard (old) circling
CAT 1.3Vso (kts)
maneuver radius (NM) 5,000 1
A < 90 1.3
B 91-120 1.5 6,000 1-1/4

C 121-140 1.7
Special VFR (SVFR) (91.157) –
D 141-165 2.3
E > 165 4.5 An ATC clearance allowing operation under VFR with
weather conditions lower than the standard VFR minimums
Expanded Circling Approach Maneuvering Radius prescribed in 91.155.
Identified by C on FAA approach charts.
For procedures developed after late 2012. (AIM 5-4-20)
SVFR is available below 10,000 MSL within the airspace
Circling MDA contained by the upward extension of the lateral
A B C D E
(MSL) boundaries of the controlled airspace designated to the
1000 or less 1.3 1.7 2.7 3.6 4.5 surface of an airport.
1001-3000 1.3 1.8 2.8 3.7 4.6
Requires at least 1 SM (as officially reported) and that the
3001-5000 ft 1.3 1.8 2.9 3.8 4.8 aircraft remains clear of clouds.
5001-7000 ft 1.3 1.9 3.0 4.0 5.0
7001-9000 ft 1.4 2.0 3.2 4.2 5.3 For night SVFR (sunset to sunrise), an Instrument rating
and instrument-equipped aircraft are required.
9001 and above 1.4 2.1 3.3 4.4 5.5

Flight Categories Used in AWC Weather Products

Category Color Ceiling Visibility

LIFR (Low IFR) Magenta Less than 500’ and/or Less than 1 SM

IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) Red 500’ to below1,000’ ft AGL and/or 1 SM to less than 3 SM

MVFR (Marginal VFR) Blue 1,000’-3,000’ AGL and/or 3 to 5 SM

VFR (Visual Flight Rules) Green Greater than 3000’ AGL and Greater than 5 SM

NOTES:
By definition, IFR is ceiling less than 1,000’ AGL and/or visibility less than 3 miles while LIFR is a sub-category of IFR.
By definition, VFR is ceiling greater than or equal to 3,000’ AGL and visibility greater than or equal to 5 SM while MVFR is a
subcategory of VFR.
Sources: https://aviationweather.gov/taf/help?page=plot and AIM 7-1-7

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 27 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM
US TERMINAL PROCEDURES PUBLICATIONS LEGEND
RADIO AID SYMBOLS STAR/DP ROUTES

110.1 Underline indicates No Voice transmitted on MAA FL200 Maximum Authorized Altitude
this frequency 4500 MEA-Minimum Enroute Altitude
Compulsory *3500 MOCA-Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude
VOR VORTAC DME Arrival/Departure Route
NDB/DME Mileage between Radio Aids, Reporting
VOR/DME TACAN NDB Points, and Route Breaks
Transition Route
Non-Compulsory
VOR VORTAC DME Radial line and value
NDB/DME Lost communications Track
VOR/DME TACAN NDB
V12 J80 Airway/Jet Route Identification
LMM, LOM
(Compass Locator) Marker Beacon

Marker beacons that are not specifically part

of the procedure ALTITUDES
5500 Mandatory Altitude 3000 Recommended Altitude
Localizer Front Course
2500 Minimum Altitude
5000 Mandatory Block
Localizer Back Course 4300 Maximum Altitude 3000 Altitude
(Left-side shading)

SDF Course
INDICATED AIRSPEED
LOC/DME
175K 120K 250K 180K
LOC/LDA/SDF Transmitter Mandatory Minimum Maximum Recommended
(Shown when installation is offset from its normal position Airspeed Airspeed Airspeed Airspeed
off the end of the runway)

Primary NAVAID with

coordinate values Secondary NAVAID HOLDING PATTERNS
Hold-in-lieu of
Hold procedure turn Missed approach

Lost Comm holding Holding pattern with max.

VHF restricted airspeed
Paired Frequency (175K) applies to all
altitudes.
(210K) applies to altitudes
above 6000' up to and
including 14000'.

TERMINAL ROUTES SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

R - Restricted W - Warning
Procedure Track P - Prohibited A - Alert
MOA - Military Operations Area
Missed Approach Procedure Turn
(type, degree and
Visual Flight Path point of turn optional)
AIRPORTS
Primary & Secondary Airports
(on instrument approach procedures)

Minimum Route Airport on DP & STAR Heliport

Altitude Joint Seaplane
Civil Military (Civil-Military) Base
Feeder Route
Airports not served by the procedure are shown in
Mileage screened color:

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 28 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

FIXES/ATC REPORTING REQUIREMENTS MINIMUM SAFE ALTITUDE (MSA)

Fix-compulsory Position Report DME Fix
Non-compulsory Position Report
Facility identifier Airport identifier

Obvious DME
(DME mileage matches DME Mileage
route mileage) (When not obvious)

WAYPOINT WAYPOINT
(Compulsory) (Non Compulsory)

FLYOVER POINT

Intersection MAP WP (Arrows on distance circle identify sectors)

(Flyover)

Computer Navigation Fix (CNF) - No ATC Function. TERMINAL ARRIVAL AREA (TAA)
X (CFMCC) (“x” omitted when in conflict with runway pattern)

AUSTN INT
DME Distance
From Facility ARC/DME/RNAV Fix

R 198 Radial line and value Straight-in Area

LR 198 Lead Radial

LB 198 Lead Bearing

PLANVIEW OBSTACLES
Spot elevation Highest spot elevation
Obstacle Group of Obstacles Right Base Area Left Base Area
Highest Obstacle Doubtful accuracy

MISCELLANEOUS

VOR Changeover Point Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)

CANADA
Distance not to scale UNITED STATES International Boundary

In this example airport elevation is 1179, and runway touchdown zone elevation is 1152.
Visibility Aircraft approach Category
DA (RVR 100ʼs of feet) HAT
Straight-in ILS All weather
to Runway 27 minimums in
parentheses not
applicable to Civil
Pilot.
Military Pilots
refer to
Straight-in with appropriate
Glide Slope regulations.
Inoperative or
not used to MDA HAA Visibility in Statute Miles
Runway 27

No circling minimums are provided

Copter Approach Direction Height of MDA/DA

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 29 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

PROFILE VIEW
RNAV Glide Path
(WAAS, GBAS, or Advisory Visual Descent Angle (VDA). Provided
ILS Glide Slope barometric guidance) for non-vertically guided approaches. Copter VDA.

Absence of a VDA or a VDA not authorized note

Threshold Crossing Height indicates VDA must not be used below MDA. Helipad Crossing Height

ILS or LOC APPROACH

Procedure Turn (PT) Fix
PT Fix Altitude established outbound
(Some approaches may use a restrictive note)
PT Completion GS Altitude at Outer Marker / FAF
Altitude FAF (precision approaches)
FAF (non-precision approaches)
ILS Glide Slope
Missed Approach Point
Glide Slope
Missed
Threshold Crossing Height Approach Track
Glide Slope Intercept Altitude
Airport Profile
Altitude restrictions at stepdown fixes on final approach, not
applicable to Precision (ILS) Approaches.

RNAV and GLS PROCEDURES WITH VERTICAL GUIDANCE

Glidepath

Visual Descent Point (VDP)

Altitude restrictions at stepdown fixes on final
approach. Not applicable to Precision (LPV or Visual segment below MDA/DA is clear of obstacles on 34:1 slope.
LNAV/VNAV) Approaches. (Absence of shaded area indicates 34:1 is not clear or Visual Segment-Obstacles.)

NON-VERTICALLY GUIDED PROCEDURES WITH MDA ONLY DESCENT FROM HOLDING PATTERN

Vertical Descent
Angle (VDA)
Threshold
Crossing Height

RNP APPROACH WITH TF AND RF SEGMENTS FAF for Non-Precision Approach

RF - Radius-to-Fix (Maltese Cross symbol)
TF - Track-to-Fix
Bearings shown on all (even Glideslope/Glidepath
TF consecutive) TF segments. intercept altitude and FAF for
TF No bearings shown on RF Precision Approaches.
segments.
Visual Descent Point (VDP)
RF
TF
Solid vertical line: facilities & waypoints.
Dashed vertical line: fixes & intersections.

Visual Flight Path

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 30 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

APPROACH LIGHT SYSTEMS (ALS)

Approach Light System Approach Light System

with Sequenced with Sequenced
Flashing Lights Flashing Lights
ALSF-1 ALSF-2
Legend

500ʼ
Sequenced Flashing Lights

1000ʼ

1000ʼ
installed (indicated by the dot on the
approach lighting identifier)

Pilot Controlled Lights (PCL,

2400ʼ/3000ʼ

2400ʼ/3000ʼ
indicated by a negative symbol)
Steady burning lights
(green, red, white) Note: Civil
ALSF-2 may be
Sequenced Flashing Lights operated as
SSALR during
Omni Directional Flashing Lights favorable
weather
conditions.

CAT I CAT II
(High Intensity lights) (High Intensity lights)

Medium Intensity (MALS/

Simplified Short Approach MALSF) or Simplified Short
Short Approach (SSALS/SSALF) Approach
Lighting System Lighting System
With Runway Alignment Indicator Lights Lighting System
MALS/MALSF/
SALS/SALSF SSALR SSALS/SSALF

1000ʼ
1000ʼ

1000ʼ

1400ʼ
1500ʼ

2400ʼ/3000ʼ

400ʼ
Sequenced Flashing Lights
RAIL (for MALSF/SSALF)
Sequenced
Flashing Lights
(for SALSF)
(High Intensity lights)

Medium Intensity
Approach Lighting System Omnidirectional
with Runway Alignment Approach Lighting Runway Touchdown Zone
Indicator Lights System and Centerline Lighting Runway End Identifier
MALSR Systems
ODALS Lights (REIL)
TDZ/CL Runway
Centerline Runway Threshold
1000ʼ

Lights (CL)

CL
1500ʼ

TDZL
2400ʼ

TDZL
Unidirectional lights
aimed at 10º to15º
Availability of TDZ/CL will be toward approach end
shown by NOTE in Sketch e.g. of runway
“TDZ/CL RWY 15”
RAIL

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 31 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

P Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)

Too low Slightly low On correct Slightly high Too high

approach path

V Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) - 2 BAR

700ʼ

VASI 2
800ʼ

36 36 36

VASI 4

36 36 36

VASI 12

36 36 36
Too low On correct Too high
approach path

V3 Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) - 3 BAR

VASI 6

36 36 36 36

VASI 16

36 36 36 36
Below both glide On lower On upper Above both
paths glide path glide path glide paths

A 3-bar VASI presents two visual glide paths. The lower path is typically set to 3º, while the
upper glide path, serving aircraft with taller cockpits, is set to about 0.25º higher.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 32 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

V2 Pulsating Approach Slope Indicator (PASI)

Pulsating White
ath
eP Steady White or
G lid Alternating Red/White
ove
Ab th
e Pa
n G lid de Pa
th Steady Red
O w Gli
lo
tly Be
Sligh Path
Glide Pulsating Red
Below

V4 Tri-Color Visual Approach Slope Indicator (TRCV)

th Amber
Pa
de
G li Green
ove
Ab th
e Pa Amber
G lid
On Path Red
Glide
Below

CAUTION: When the aircraft descends from green to red, the pilot may see a
dark amber color during the transition from green to red.

V5 Alignment of Elements System

Approach Path Alignment Panels (APAP)

Below On glide Above

glide path path glide path

Consist of painted panels which may be lighted at night.

Pilot should position the aircraft so the elements are in alignment.

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 33 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane .COM

Term Definition Term Definition

AATD Advanced Aviation Training Device FTD Flight Training Device
AAWU Alaskan Aviation Weather Unit Ground Based Augmentation System
GBAS
(i.e, LAAS)
AC Advisory Circular
ACS Airman Certification Standards GLS GBAS Landing System
AD Airworthiness Directive GP Glide Path
ADC Air Data Computer HFO Weather Forecast Office Honolulu
ADM Aeronautical Decision Making HI Heading Indicator
Automatic Dependent Surveillance- IAF Initial Approach Fix
ADS-B
Broadcast
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
AFM Airplane Flight Manual
IF Intermediate Fix
AGL Above Ground Level
IFR Instrument Flight Rules
AHRS Attitude Heading Reference System
ILS Instrument Landing System
AI Attitude Indicator
IM Inner Marker
AIM Aeronautical Information Manual
IMC Instrument Meteorological Conditions
ALS Approach Light System
IPC Instrument Proficiency Check
Approach Light System with Sequence
ALSF
Flashing Lights (e.g, ALSF-1, ALSF-2) KTAS Knots True Airspeed
APV Approach with Vertical guidance Kts Knots. NM / hour.
Air Route Traffic Control Center LAAS Local Area Augmentation System
ARTCC
(“Center”)
LDA Localizer Type Directional Aid.
ASI Airspeed Indicator
LIFR Low IFR
ASOS Automated Surface Observation System
LNAV Lateral Navigation
ASR Approach Surveillance Radar
LOC Localizer
ATC Air Traffic Control
Localizer Performance RNAV / RNP
ATD Aviation Training Device LP
approach
ATIS Automatic Terminal Information Service Localizer Precision with Vertical
LPV
AWC Aviation Weather Center Guidance approach

Automated Weather Observation MAA Maximum Authorized Altitude

AWOS
System Medium Intensity Approach Lighting
BATD Basic Aviation Training Device MALSR System with Runway Alignment Indicator
Lights
DA Decision Altitude
MAP Missed Approach Point
DH Decision Height
MCA Minimum Crossing Altitude
DME Distance Measuring Equipment
MDA Minimum Descent Altitude
DP Departure Procedure
MDH Minimum Descent Height
EDCT Expect Departure Clearance Time
MEA Minimum Enroute Altitude
EFB Electronic Flight Bag
MEL Minimum Equipment List
ELT Emergency Locator Transmitter
MFD Multi Function Display
ETA Estimated Time of Arrival
MLS Microwave Landing System
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
MM Middle Marker
FAF Final Approach Fix
MOCA Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude
FCC Federal Communications Commission
VOR Minimum Operational Network
MON
FFS Full Flight Simulator program
FIS-B Flight Information Services-Broadcast MORA Minimum Off Route Altitude (Jeppesen)
FL Flight Level MRA Minimum Reception Altitude
fpm Feet per Minute MSL Mean Sea Level
FPNM Feet per Nautical Mile MVFR Marginal VFR
FSS Flight Service Station NDB Non-Directional Beacon

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 34 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025
 .COM IFR Quick-Review Study Guide - Airplane

Term Definition Term Definition

The time between the end of evening VCOA Visual Climb Over Airport
Night civil twilight and the beginning of
(FAR §1.1) morning civil twilight, as published in the VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions
Air Almanac, converted to local time. VNAV Vertical Navigation
NHC National Hurricane Center VOR VHF Omnidirectional Range
NMC National Meteorological Center VHF Omnidirectional Range Tactical Air
VORTAC
NOTAM Notice to Air Missions Navigation (VOR+TACAN)

Omni-Directional Approach Lighting VS Vertical Speed

ODALS
System VSI Vertical Speed Indicator
ODP Obstacle Departure Procedure WAAS Wide Area Augmentation System
OM Outer Marker WPC Weather Prediction Center
OPC Ocean Prediction Center Wx Weather
PAPI Precision Approach Path Indicator
PAR Precision Approach Radar
Check for updates at:
PFD Primary Flight Display https://PilotsCafe.com/IFR-quick-review-guide/
PIC Pilot-in-Command
PIREP Pilot Report
Receiver Autonomous Integrity
RAIM
Monitoring

RAIL Runway Alignment Indicator Lights

REIL Runway End Identifier Lights

Disclaimer: While every attempt was made to verify
RNAV Area Navigation the accuracy of the information in this report, the
RVR Runway Visual Range author does not assume any responsibilities or
liabilities for errors contained in it or for misuse of
RVV Runway Visibility Value this information. You may only use this guide at your
RVSM Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum own risk.
Satellite-based Augmentation System
SBAS
(e.g., WAAS, EGNOS) Please send any error corrections or feedback to:
SDF Simplified Directional Facility www.PilotsCafe.com/contact
SID Standard Instrument Departure All rights reserved to Amir Fleminger and Fleminger Media
SFRA Special Flight Rules Area LLC dba PilotsCafe ®. PilotsCafe ® is a USA Registered
Trademark. All Rights Reserved.
STAR Standard Terminal Arrival
STC Supplemental Type Certificate
SVFR Special VFR
TCH
TDZ
Threshold Crossing Height
Touchdown Zone
AIROS
This is your time

TDZE Touchdown Zone Elevation

TDZL Touchdown Zone Lights Introducing our new partner AIROS™ –
TIBS Telephone Information Briefing Service
the intelligent digital logbook designed by
TLS Transponder Landing System
TOC Top of Climb pilots for pilots.
TOD Top of Descent
TWEB Transcribed Weather Broadcast
Activate your AIROS
UAT Universal Access Transceiver Membership with an exclusive
VASI Visual Approach Slope Indicator 20% discount from PilotsCafe.
VDA Vertical Descent Angle
AIROS360.com/soar/pilotscafe-20
VDP Visual Descent Point
VFR Visual Flight Rules
VIP Video Integrator Processor

Airplane IFR Quick-Review | Page 35 of 36 | Visit PilotsCafe.com for updates and other flight training resources
V4.0.0 Jan 10, 2025, All Rights Reserved © Amir Fleminger & Fleminger Media LLC 2011-2025