Aviation Blog

IFR Training

Instrument rating tips and procedures from airline pilots

20Articles

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.

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 holding ATP, CFII, and MEI credentials.

Real Training Insights

Some contributors have moved on from Aviator.NYC, but their techniques remain. 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.

Training Journey

3 articles

Training Journey

What It Was Like Getting My Instrument Rating

Personal story of earning an instrument rating in the NYC area.

8 min

Training Journey

Efficient Cross Country Flying for Instrument Rating

How to plan and fly IFR cross countries efficiently for training.

8 min

Training Journey

Optimize Instrument Rating Training

How to train smarter and finish your IFR rating faster.

3 min

IFR Procedures

4 articles

IFR Procedures

VOR Navigation Guide

Master VOR navigation with interactive diagrams and a practice simulator. Learn radials, the HSI, intercepting courses, and common mistakes.

18 min

IFR Procedures

Mastering Climb Gradients on IFR Departures

How to calculate and fly required climb gradients on departure procedures.

7 min

IFR Procedures

Beyond CRAFT: Instrument Clearances

Advanced IFR clearance techniques beyond basic CRAFT abbreviation.

10 min

IFR Procedures

Holding Pattern Entry Guide

Master holding pattern entries with interactive calculators. Learn Direct, Parallel, and Teardrop entries, holding speeds, and timing rules.

12 min

Approaches

10 articles

Approaches

When Should You Configure on an Instrument Approach?

Two professional methods for timing flaps, gear, and speed on IFR approaches. Learn the Two-Mile FAF method and Half-Dot Glideslope technique used by airline pilots.

12 min

Approaches

Can Vintage Aircraft with Aftermarket GPS Fly LPV Approaches?

RNAV equipment requirements for Cessna G1000 and older aircraft with GTN750 or GNS530W installations. Includes FAA Form 337 documentation requirements.

10 min

Approaches

How Do You Know If Your Aircraft Can Fly LPV Approaches?

Determine your GPS approach capabilities from the AFM. Part 1 covers Cirrus Perspective aircraft with factory WAAS GPS and TSO-C146 certification.

10 min

Approaches

Approach Setup and Brief

Step-by-step guide to setting up the avionics and briefing an instrument approach.

9 min

Approaches

Mastering VOR Approaches with GPS Guidance

Flying traditional VOR approaches with GPS overlay guidance.

7 min

Approaches

Common Mistakes in Instrument Approach Briefings

What CFIIs see students forget during approach briefs — and how to fix it.

8 min

Approaches

NDB Approaches with OBS on Garmin G1000

How to fly NDB approaches using modern GPS avionics with OBS mode.

9 min

Approaches

VOR 24 Approach KPOU

Flying the classic VOR approach into Poughkeepsie from the NYC area.

6 min

Approaches

How to Brief an Instrument Approach

Professional approach briefing technique used by airline pilots.

11 min

Approaches

How Should You Fly an Instrument Approach

Five practical techniques for flying safer, more efficient instrument approaches. Learn configuration timing, missed approach prep, IAF loading, minimums knowledge, and stabilized descent methods.

11 min