Instrument Flying
Instrument flying requires precise aircraft control, navigation interpretation, situational awareness, and an effective instrument scan while workload is managed systematically.
This section currently focuses on holding-pattern practice. Instrument procedures depend on current charts, clearances, regulations, navigation equipment, and authoritative operational guidance.
Future instrument-skill pages should be added only when they address distinct search intent and can be maintained accurately as procedures and guidance evolve.
Instrument Flying skills
- Holding Pattern — Interpreting and flying a hold while managing entry, course tracking, wind correction, timing or distance, altitude, and airspeed.
What pilots practice
Depending on the aircraft, training objective, conditions, applicable standards, and instructor guidance, this area may involve:
- clearance and procedure interpretation
- instrument scan and aircraft control
- navigation-system awareness
- wind correction
- timing or distance management
- staying ahead of the aircraft
Practice and proficiency
Individual flying skills can become less familiar when they are not practiced regularly. The appropriate practice interval is personal and depends on experience, aircraft, operating environment, training, and the type of flying a pilot does.
Last Practiced lets pilots record when they practiced individual skills and set personal Practice Targets for skills they want to revisit.
Practice Targets are personal reminders. They do not establish regulatory currency, proficiency, or legal eligibility to fly.
Browse all pilot skills
Return to the Pilot Skills library to browse takeoffs and landings, airwork, stalls, emergency procedures, navigation, instrument flying, and glider skills.