IFR Pilot Preparation
Complete these before your next IFR session. Reading assignments from the Instrument Procedures Handbook, Instrument Flying Handbook, and Everything Explained.
What Should You Study Before Each IFR Lesson?
Each lesson in the Aviator.NYC instrument rating program has specific reading assignments from FAA publications: the Instrument Procedures Handbook (IPH), the Instrument Flying Handbook (IFH), and the Aviation Instructor's Handbook. These are supplemented by chapters from "Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot" by Richie Lengel. Completing the assigned reading before each simulator session ensures you can focus on developing procedural skills rather than learning concepts from scratch. Your instructor will assess your preparation during the ground briefing. Assignments are organized by lesson number — find your next lesson below and work through the listed chapters, diagrams, and practice scenarios.
After L1VOR Navigation & IFR Cross-Country Planning → Preparing for L2
Lesson 2 covers VOR navigation and IFR cross-country planning (KMMU → KABE). Complete this preparation.
FAA Reading
- IFHChapter 9 (251–258) — Navigation Systems
- IFHChapter 5 (5-25 to 5-26) — Autopilot Systems
- IFHChapter 7 (7-33 to 7-39) — Flight Maneuvers Using EFD
- IPHFlight Management Systems (FMS)
- IPHAutopilot Modes
Practice
- Review the IFR Maneuvers PDF: Teardrop Entries, 80/260
Key Topics to Preview
- VOR navigation and IFR cross-country planning
- VOR radial tracking and TO/FROM logic
- Holding entries: direct, teardrop, parallel
- IFR cross-country flight planning basics
- Autopilot modes and engagement procedures
After L2Holds & Approaches → Preparing for L3
Lesson 3 focuses on mastering holding patterns and beginning VOR approaches (KACK → KPVD).
FAA Reading
- IFHChapter 10 — Holding Patterns
- IFHChapter 4 — Instrument Approaches
- IPHHolding Pattern Entries, Approach Segment Structure
- EEPPHolds, Instrument Approaches Intro, Non-Precision Approaches, Take-off and Alternates
Practice
- File an IFR flight plan (e.g., KMMU to KABE) using ForeFlight
- Voice-record approach briefings using FAA/Jeppesen charts — focus on format and confidence
- Review IFR Maneuvers PDF: Teardrop Entries, 80/260
After L3Non-Precision Approaches & Holds → Preparing for L4
Lesson 4 focuses on non-precision approaches and missed approach procedures (KEWR → N07).
FAA Reading
- EEPPNon-Precision Approaches section (complete), Take-off and Alternates
- IPHGlidepath, Missed Approach, IAP Brief (4-37 to 4-42)
- IFHApproach segment structure, descent planning, alternate minimums
Videos
Practice
- Review approach briefing format and common mistakes
After L4Precision Approaches, IFR Departures & GPS → Preparing for L5
Lesson 5 covers precision approaches (ILS) and IFR departure procedures (KMMU → KLGA).
FAA Reading
- EEPPPrecision Approaches section (complete), IFR Departures section
- IPHILS components, glideslope intercept altitude, decision altitude
- IFHILS approach procedures
Videos
- No videos assigned
Key Topics to Preview
- ILS components: localizer, glideslope, marker beacons
- Decision Altitude (DA) vs. Decision Height (DH)
- Final Approach Fix (FAF) and GlideSlope Intercept Altitude (GSIA)
- False glideslopes — 3°/6°/9° lobes
- ODP vs. SID departure procedures (review from Lesson 2)
- GPS approach introduction
After L5LOC & VOR Approaches → Preparing for L6
Lesson 6 covers LOC and VOR approaches without vectors and deepens GPS approach mastery.
FAA Reading
- EEPPLOC Approach section (review), VOR Approach procedures, GPS Approaches (complete)
- IPHFull procedure approaches, procedure turns, hold-in-lieu-of-PT
- IFHNon-precision approach techniques, timing and descent planning
Videos
- No videos assigned
Key Topics to Preview
- Full procedure approaches without ATC vectors — navigating to the IAF independently
- Procedure turn types: 45/180, 80/260, hold-in-lieu-of-PT
- VOR approach step-down fixes and MDA management
- GPS approach sequencing on the G1000: terminal mode, approach mode, scaling changes
- RAIM requirements and GPS NOTAM checks
- Timing for non-precision approaches — groundspeed-based timing tables
After L6STARs, VNAV & Descent Management → Preparing for L7
Lesson 7 covers STARs, VNAV, descent management, and GPS approaches.
FAA Reading
- EEPPStandard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) — complete section
- IPHVNAV descent planning, altitude constraints, and GPS approach types (LNAV, LNAV/VNAV, LPV)
- AIM5-4-1 — Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) procedures
Videos
- No videos assigned
Practice
- Pull up a STAR and a GPS approach plate for an airport your instructor assigns. Brief both aloud using the standard approach briefing format. Pay attention to altitude restrictions marked as “at,” “at or above,” and “at or below.”
Key Topics to Preview
- STAR structure: transition routes, common route, altitude/speed restrictions
- VNAV concepts: top of descent (TOD), vertical speed required, 3:1 rule
- Descent management: when to start down, power settings, speed control
- GPS approach types and minimums hierarchy: LPV > LNAV/VNAV > LNAV > LP
- WAAS vs. non-WAAS GPS capabilities
- RAIM prediction and GPS NOTAM checks
After L7Diversions & Lost Communications → Preparing for L8
Lesson 8 covers lost communications, IFR diversions, and 14 CFR 91.185.
FAA Reading
- 14CFR91.185 — IFR operations — two-way radio communications failure
- AIM6-4-1 — Two-way radio communications failure procedures
- IFHLost communications chapter
- EEPPLost communications section
Videos
- No videos assigned
Key Topics to Preview
- The AVE-F MEA rule for altitude selection during lost comms
- Route: continue on the route ATC last assigned, then the route filed, then as expected
- When to begin an approach at the destination
- Transponder code 7600
- Diversion decision-making — weather, fuel, alternates
- How ATC handles a NORDO aircraft
After L8IFR Emergencies & System Failures → Preparing for L9
Lesson 9 covers emergencies, system failures, and partial panel flying.
FAA Reading
- EEPPEmergency Procedures section (complete)
- IFHUnusual attitudes, partial panel, and emergency operations
- 14CFR91.3 — Responsibility and authority of the pilot in command (emergency authority)
- 14CFR91.185 — Review — emergencies and lost comms often overlap
- AIM6-3-1 through 6-3-5 — Distress and urgency procedures
Videos
- No videos assigned
Key Topics to Preview
- Vacuum system failure — recognizing the symptoms, which instruments are affected
- Partial panel flying — controlling the aircraft with limited instruments
- Unusual attitude recovery under the hood
- Electrical failure — load shedding, battery endurance, alternator checks
- Pitot-static system failures — blocked pitot tube, blocked static port
- Engine failure in IMC — immediate actions, nearest suitable airport
- Declaring an emergency — when and how, and why you should not hesitate
After L9Checkride Preparation → Preparing for L10
Lesson 10 is your checkride preparation and comprehensive IFR oral exam review — covering all material from Lessons 1 through 9 (KTTN → KTAN).
FAA Reading
- ACSInstrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-8081-66C) — areas of operation, tasks, and standards
Videos
- No videos assigned
Practice
- Review all lesson notes — go through key takeaways from Lessons 1-9
- Practice oral exam questions: answer every oral exam question from every lesson review page out loud, as if speaking to an examiner
- Be prepared to brief any approach type — ILS, LOC, VOR, RNAV/GPS, LPV
- Review weather minimums, alternate requirements, and go/no-go decision-making
Key Topics to Preview
- IFR flight planning: weather, NOTAMs, fuel requirements, alternate airports
- Airspace, ATC clearances, and lost communications procedures
- All approach types: precision, non-precision, RNAV/GPS
- Holding patterns: entries, timing, wind correction
- System failures: pitot-static, gyroscopic, electrical
- Weather theory: icing, thunderstorms, fog, frontal systems
- Regulations: 14 CFR 91.167 through 91.185