🧭 IFR Training
This course is a bit more comprehensive, which is why there are several modules.
Module 1: What Is IFR?
✈️ What Does IFR Mean?
IFR stands for Instrument Flight Rules. It is a set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft primarily using instruments, rather than visual cues outside the cockpit.
This is essential when:
Visibility is poor (due to clouds, fog, or darkness)
You’re flying through controlled airspace
Operating in busy environments like large airports
Under IFR, Air Traffic Control (ATC) provides separation between aircraft. That’s why you’ll often hear IFR referred to as “controlled flying.”
🎛️ What’s the Difference Between VFR and IFR?
| Rule | Stands For | Main Reference | Common Scenario |
|---|
| VFR | Visual Flight Rules | Eyes & weather conditions | Good weather, smaller airports |
| IFR | Instrument Flight Rules | Cockpit instruments & ATC | Poor visibility, commercial flying |
🧑✈️ Who Flies IFR?
Airline pilots (including MockingBird Air flights!)
Cargo operators
Private jet operators
Instrument-rated general aviation pilots
If you’re flying above FL100, into Class A airspace, or between major airports, you’re almost always under IFR.
💡 Why Learn IFR?
Even in the flight sim world, IFR brings realism, structure, and challenge. It’s also essential if you want to fly:
Scheduled routes with MockingBird Air
Long-distance flights
High-performance jets
Realistic multiplayer environments like VATSIM or IVAO
🗺️ Summary
IFR = Instrument Flight Rules
Used when flying without relying on outside visual references
Heavily coordinated with ATC
Necessary for complex, busy, or high-altitude flying
Essential for realism and growth in virtual aviation
🗺️ Module 2 & 3: IFR Charts & Understanding Airspace
📑 What Are IFR Charts?
IFR charts are maps designed specifically for instrument flying. They provide all the essential navigation and procedural information you need when visual references are unavailable.
There are three major types:
1. Enroute Charts
Show airways, navaids, and intersections
Used during the cruise phase of flight
Think of them as highways in the sky (e.g. UL612, Y100)
Include Minimum Enroute Altitudes (MEA), reporting points, and ATC sectors
2. SID Charts (Standard Instrument Departure)
Define safe, structured paths from a runway to the enroute phase
Include altitude restrictions, waypoints, and transition routes
Must be followed exactly unless cleared otherwise by ATC
3. STAR Charts (Standard Terminal Arrival Route)
Guide aircraft from the enroute structure into the approach phase
Help manage traffic flow into busy airports
Often connect seamlessly with instrument approaches
🧠 How to Read an IFR Chart (Basics)
Look for:
Fixes and waypoints (e.g., OSNEM, BUB)
Altitude restrictions (e.g., “AT or above FL90”)
Routes and transitions
Frequencies (ATC, ATIS, VORs)
Notes and cautions
🧭 Tip: Always read the legend if you’re unfamiliar with a chart provider (e.g. Jeppesen vs. ICAO charts).
🌍 Understanding Airspace Classes
Controlled airspace is broken into classes (A–G). Under IFR, you’ll primarily operate in:
| Class | Altitude/Use | Key Info |
|---|---|---|
| A | FL245 and above (Europe) | IFR only, always under ATC control |
| C/D | Around larger airports | Both IFR & VFR, but ATC separation for IFR is mandatory |
| E | Lower controlled airspace | IFR gets separation, VFR doesn’t |
| G | Uncontrolled | No ATC services – usually avoided for IFR unless required |
🛰️ Navigational Aids (Navaids)
Charts also include references to:
VORs (Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range)
NDBs (Non-Directional Beacons)
DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) These are used for tracking position and confirming you’re on course.
🧩 Summary
IFR charts help guide you through all phases of IFR flight
SIDs and STARs organize departures and arrivals efficiently
Enroute charts are your high-altitude roadmaps
Understanding airspace ensures compliance and safety
Reading charts takes practice, but it’s a core IFR skill!
📋 Module 4 & 5: Filing & Flying an IFR Flight Plan
🛫 What Is an IFR Flight Plan?
An IFR flight plan is a document that tells ATC:
Who you are
Where you’re going
How you plan to get there
What you can do in case of emergency
It’s mandatory for any IFR flight in controlled airspace.
✍️ How to File an IFR Flight Plan
Most modern pilots use flight planning tools or dispatch systems (e.g., SimBrief, vAMSYS, or real-world airline software). However, it’s good to understand the key structure:
✅ Key Elements of an IFR Flight Plan:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Callsign | Your aircraft’s identifier (e.g. MXB1234) |
| Aircraft Type | e.g. A359, B738 |
| Flight Rules | “I” for IFR |
| Departure & Destination | ICAO airport codes (e.g., EDDF/LOWW) |
| Route | Waypoints, airways, SIDs/STARs |
| Cruising Level | In flight levels (e.g., FL370) |
| EET | Estimated Elapsed Time (enroute time) |
| Alternates | Backup airports in case of diversion |
| Equipment & Capabilities | Includes transponder and nav equipment (e.g. SDFGHIRWXYZ) |
💡 Tip: Tools like SimBrief will auto-generate all this based on current airways and procedures.
🧭 Routing Example
EDDF N0492F370 OBOKA L603 WRB UL980 BAVAX L980 DITIS STAR LOWW
EDDF – Departure Airport
N0492F370 – Mach/Flight level
OBOKA – First fix
L603, UL980, etc. – Airways
STAR – Arrival route into destination
🛬 IFR Flight From A to B: What Happens?
📌 1. Clearance Delivery
You’ll receive your clearance from ATC, usually in the format:
“Mockingbird 1234, cleared to Vienna via OBOKA6F departure, flight planned route, climb FL070, squawk 1000.”
📌 2. Departure (SID)
You follow your Standard Instrument Departure (SID), adhering to altitude and speed constraints.
📌 3. Enroute Phase
You navigate using charts or FMC guidance, under ATC control. Route deviations can occur due to traffic or weather.
📌 4. Arrival (STAR)
As you near your destination, you transition via a STAR into the approach phase.
📌 5. Approach & Landing
You fly an instrument approach (ILS, RNAV, VOR, etc.) or a visual approach if conditions allow.
⚠️ Don’t Forget: Alternates & Fuel
Always plan for:
An alternate airport in case you can’t land at your destination
Enough fuel for diversion and reserves
Weather at destination & alternate (must meet legal minima)
🧩 Summary
Filing an IFR flight plan is a structured process with essential data
Tools simplify filing, but knowing the structure makes you more confident
IFR flight is a coordinated operation from clearance to touchdown
Understanding each phase ensures smooth and safe flights
🎯 Module 6 & 7: Approaches and Missed Approaches
🛬 Instrument Approaches: The Final Phase of IFR Flight
An instrument approach guides you from the enroute or arrival phase down to the runway—even in low visibility. There are several types, each using different navigation methods.
🔍 Common Types of Approaches
🧲 ILS (Instrument Landing System)
Precision approach
Provides both lateral (localizer) and vertical (glideslope) guidance
Example: “Cleared ILS Runway 25L approach”
📡 RNAV (Area Navigation)
Non-precision or precision-like depending on system (e.g., LPV, LNAV/VNAV)
Uses GPS/INS to guide the aircraft along waypoints
📻 VOR or NDB Approach
Non-precision
Uses ground-based radio signals
Less accurate and often used as backups
👀 Visual Approach
ATC may clear you for a visual approach if weather permits
You navigate and descend visually to the airport
🧭 How to Fly an Approach
Receive ATC Clearance (e.g. “Cleared ILS Runway 34 approach”)
Load it into your FMC or tune required frequencies
Follow the initial approach fix (IAF) and respect any altitude or speed constraints
Intercept final using autopilot or manually
Follow descent path down to the minimums
⛅ Understanding Minimums
| Approach Type | Minimums (Generally) |
|---|---|
| ILS CAT I | ~200 ft decision height |
| RNAV (LPV) | ~250–300 ft |
| VOR/NDB | ~400 ft or higher |
| Visual | Depends entirely on visibility and pilot judgment |
At minimums, you either:
See the runway and land, or
Execute a missed approach if not in sight
🔁 Missed Approach Procedures
Sometimes you can’t land due to:
Low visibility
Traffic on the runway
Unstable approach
🔼 A missed approach involves:
Apply go-around power
Pitch up, retract gear/flaps as needed
Follow published missed approach procedure (on charts)
Inform ATC:
“Missed approach, Mockingbird 1234, going around.”
💡 Tip: Always brief the missed approach before you begin the descent.
🧩 Summary
Multiple types of approaches serve different needs and conditions
ILS is the most accurate and widely used
RNAV offers flexibility and modern navigation options
Always prepare for a go-around—even if you expect to land
⚠️ Module 8: Common IFR Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them
Even experienced sim pilots fall into traps when flying under IFR. Let’s look at the most common mistakes—and how to avoid them.
🧭 1. Flying Without Proper Preparation
Mistake: Jumping into a flight without checking weather, NOTAMs, charts, or fuel requirements.
Avoid it by:
Reviewing departure/arrival procedures
Reading METARs and TAFs
Calculating fuel with reserves and alternates
Studying the approach plates in advance
✅ A good briefing = a good flight.
📶 2. Incorrect NAV Setup
Mistake: Forgetting to set up NAV radios or misconfiguring the FMC.
Avoid it by:
Double-checking frequencies and waypoints
Loading correct SID/STAR into your FMC or FMS
Verifying that you’re on the correct leg before engaging LNAV/VNAV
🕹️ 3. Overreliance on Automation
Mistake: Letting the autopilot do all the work—without monitoring it.
Avoid it by:
Flying manually during departure or arrival when appropriate
Monitoring the flight path regularly
Being ready to disconnect the autopilot if something goes wrong
💡 Remember: You’re the pilot in command—even in a simulator.
📉 4. Mismanaging Descent Planning
Mistake: Starting descent too late or too early, missing crossing restrictions.
Avoid it by:
Calculating TOD (Top of Descent)
Using VNAV or vertical speed modes with proper planning
Understanding STAR constraints and ATC instructions
🎧 5. Poor Radio Discipline
Mistake: Misusing IFR phraseology or forgetting to respond to ATC.
Avoid it by:
Practicing clear, concise communication
Using standard terms like “Wilco”, “Roger”, “Standby”, etc.
Reading back important clearances to confirm understanding
🧭 6. Ignoring Minimums
Mistake: Descending below DA/MDA without the runway in sight.
Avoid it by:
Knowing your approach minimums (e.g., 200 ft for ILS CAT I)
Executing a missed approach if visual contact is not established
Never “pushing through” clouds at low altitudes
✋ Safety always comes before completing the landing.
✈️ 7. Unstable Approaches
Mistake: Being too high, too fast, or not configured properly before landing.
Avoid it by:
Following the “stabilized approach” criteria (gear down, flaps set, descent rate steady)
Being fully configured by 1000 ft AGL (or earlier)
Going around if the approach becomes unstable
📌 In Summary:
| ❌ Mistake | ✅ Prevention |
|---|---|
| Poor preparation | Brief your flight fully |
| NAV/FMC errors | Double-check inputs |
| Automation misuse | Monitor systems actively |
| Late descent | Calculate TOD and follow STARs |
| Radio confusion | Use standard phraseology |
| Below minimums | Execute missed approaches |
| Unstable approach | Stabilize or go around |