Skip to main content
Aviation Blog

IFR Training

Instrument rating tips and procedures from airline pilots

24Articles

Learn the IFR procedures and techniques used by professional airline pilots. These guides cover approach briefings, holding patterns, Garmin G1000 tips, and the knowledge you need to earn your instrument rating or stay IFR current.

An instrument rating lets you fly in clouds, low visibility, and controlled airspace under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of instrument time, a passed knowledge test, and at least 6 instrument approaches to qualify for the checkride. These guides cover everything from your first approach briefing to advanced G1000 procedures, written by the airline pilot instructors who teach instrument students in our Manhattan simulator every day. Whether you are starting IFR training or brushing up on currency, each article is designed to explain one concept clearly so you can apply it on your next session.

Written by Airline Pilots

Our instructors — airline pilots, charter pilots, and CFIIs — wrote these guides based on what they teach in the simulator at our Manhattan location. All content is reviewed by active instructors.

Real Training Insights

Our guides are written by active and former Aviator.NYC instructors, all reviewed by current staff. Several earned their private pilot certificate at 17 and have been flying professionally ever since.

Browse by Topic

Starting your instrument rating? Follow the sections in order for a structured learning path — or jump to a specific topic using the navigation bar above.

Approaches

10 articles

Ready to Start Training?

Put this knowledge into practice with our FAA-certified G1000 flight simulator.

Book IFR Training