Instrument Rating Reading References

The Instrument Rating Program is typically divided into two phases, the first is conducted in the Elite Simulator, and the second phase is conducted in the Piper Seneca. Students should remember that most of IFR procedures and techniques are learned in the simulator, as it is in "the box" where the funamentals of IFR flight--departure procedures, holding procedures, and approach procedures are learned. The second phase is where the newly learned skills are applied as preparation for the flight test, and is where the long-cross country requirements are completed. Where training also includes the acquiring of a Multi-engine Class Rating, this is usually accomplished between the first and second phases of IFR Training, the idea being that the student is introduced to basic multi-engine procedures in the simulator while also learning IFR procedures. When the simulator sessions are completed, the student begins the multi-engine flight trainings in the Seneca, and when the multi-engine flight test is completed, stays in the Seneca to prepare the IFR flight test.

Introduction to Holds: Direct Entry VOR and NDB Holds (Simulator).

Description:

As an introduction to holding procedures, this exercise focuses on the fundamental aspects of hold procedures, including a review of the components of a hold clearance and clearance read-backs, as well as an examination of the anatomy of holds and the criteria used to assess the quality of hold.  The student is introduced to the first of three hold entries—the Direct Entry procedures—and the timing and tracking procedures used by the pilot to conform with the hold clearance, with special consideration on pilot procedures used to compensate for wind.  The Direct Entry procedure is applied to both VOR and NDB holds.

Standards:

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

Hold anatomy.

Timing and timing adjustments for wind

Wind correction formula for headings—outbound wind correction is double the inbound.

Time, turn, throttle, talk.

Speed targets.

Practical Applications:

Hold at the Whatcom VORTAC on assigned radial in calm winds.

Hold at the Whatcom VORTAC on assigned radial in moderate winds.

Hold at the Abbotsford NDB on assigned tracks in calm winds.

Hold at the Abbotsford NDB on assigned tracks in moderate winds.

Introduction to Holds: Parallel and Offset Entries VOR and NDB Holds (Simulator).

Description:

This exercise examines the two remaining hold entry procedures—the Parallel Entry, and the Offset Entry.  Hold clearances and read-backs are reviewed, and the student is introduced to non-standard hold procedures.  This exercise is applied to both VOR and NDB holds.

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

Using DME , Radial Readout, and “30° Offset” to predict success in outbound leg.

POD method for entry determination.

Practical Applications:

Hold at the Whatcom VORTAC on assigned radial in moderate winds.

Hold non-standard at the Whatcom VORTAC on assigned radial in moderate winds.

Hold at the Abbotsford NDB on assigned tracks in moderate winds.

Hold non-standard at the Abbotsford NDB on assigned tracks in moderate winds.

Strong-wind Holds (Simulator).

Description:

This exercise examines the challenge of entering and establishing the aircraft in wind conditions in excess of 30 knots, requiring radical adjustments to both the timing assigned to the inbound and outbound legs, as well as the headings required to produce accurate positioning of the aircraft for the inbound track.  This exercise qualifies for accreditation.

Standards: 

Prior to beginning this lesson, students shall complete LFS’s study examination on IFR holds.

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

Aggressive winds—aggressive flying (headings and timing).

Practical Application:

Hold at the Whatcom VORTAC on assigned radial in strong-wind conditions

Hold at the Abbotsford NDB on assigned tracks in strong-wind conditions.

Localiser, DME, Intersection and GPS Waypoint Holds (Simulator).

Description:

This exercise focuses on variations from typical hold procedures.  The localiser hold utilises the combined signals of a localiser and an NDB—typically the Final Approach Fix—for aircraft positioning, while the DME hold requires a holding pattern between specified DME distances—typically with a specified 5-NM spacing block from a VORTAC.  The GPS Waypoint hold is very similar to the standard VOR hold. 

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

N/A

Practical Applications:

From the final approach and published missed approach procedure from the ILS Runway 07 at Abbotsford Airport, hold as published on the localizer.

From the final approach and published missed approach procedure from the ILS Runway 16 at Cranbrook Airport, hold as published on the localiser.

Northeast-bound on V495, hold between 5 and 10 DME from the Whatcom VORTAC.

Southwest-bound from the Vancouver VORTAC on the 215 Radial, hold at DUNCN as published.

From the final approach and published missed approach procedure from the GPS Runway 29 at Qualicum Beach, hold at IKNOS as published.

Vectored ILS and localiser Approaches (Simulator).

Description:

The vectored approach is the most elementary form of IFR approaches.  This exercise focuses on the ILS and LOC Approaches.  Students are introduced to the various phases and cockpit sequences associated with an approach clearance, including Approach Plate Briefings.  In this exercise the simulator is flown `down to the minimum published altitudes associated with instrument approaches—the Decision Height with respect to the ILS approach, and the MDA with respect to localiser approach, and students are introduced to published Missed Approach procedures. 

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

Speed/power, flaps, and gear configurations in an ILS approach.

Speed/power, flaps, and gear configuration in a LOC approach.

Approach plate briefings.

SNAP—Speed, Nav aids, Approach Plate Briefing, Prelanding checks.

ATC handoff.

Communication to Tower Unit—Position, ATIS, and Intentions.

Using the VSI to reckon pitch changes at glideslope intercept, and throughout glideslope track.

Time, gear, power, tower.

FAF to MAP timing adjustments for groundspeed.

Actions at the DH.

Practical Applications:

Vectored ILS Runway 07 at Abbotsford Airport.

Vectored ILS Runway 27 at Victoria Airport.

Vectored ILS DME Runway 29R at Vancouver Airport.

Vectored NDB Approaches (Simulator).

Description:

This exercise focuses on vectored NDB Approaches, with similar subjects of concern as outlined in the previous exercise: ATC clearances, phases and cockpit sequences, including Approach Plate Briefings; Minimum Descent Altitude requirements; Missed Approach procedures.

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

                Leading the turn on to the final approach track (10° approximately).

Practical Applications:

Vectored NDB Runway 07 at Abbotsford Airport.

Vectored NDB DME Runway 08R at Vancouver Airport.

Vectored NDB DME Runway 27 at Victoria Airport.

Procedure Turn VOR Approaches (Simulator).

Description:

Students in this exercise are introduced to procedures used in a non-radar instrument approach procedure—the manoeuvre referred to as the procedure turn.  Students review the anatomy of procedure turns, as well as the conventional variations in procedure turns.

Standards:

 N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

                Interpretations and applications of the MSA.

Descents to PT altitudes.

Descents to FAF crossing altitudes.

Distance limits of the PT—using DME and/or time to reckon this

Practical Applications:

Full procedure VOR Runway 11, Ft. St. John Airport.

Standard.

S-turn Standard.

Racetrack.

Modified Racetrack.

S-turn Modified Racetrack.

90°/270°

Full procedure VOR Runway 11 at Williams Lake Airport.

Standard.

S-turn Standard.

Racetrack.

Modified Racetrack.

S-turn Modified Racetrack.

90°/270°

Procedure Turn NDB and LOC Approaches (Simulator).

Description:

The focus of this exercise is NDB procedure turns.  Students are introduced to tracking control requirements that vary outside and inside the final approach fix.  Greater emphasis is placed on the precise control of distance, speed, and timing variables during the intermediate and final approach phases of this form of non-precision approach.  This exercise qualities for accreditation.

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

N/A

Practical Applications:

Full procedure NDB Runway 26L, Vancouver Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Vancouver VORTAC.

Full procedure NDB Runway 29, Williams Lake Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Williams Lake NDB.

Full procedure LOC Runway 07, Abbotsford Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Abbotsford NDB.

Full procedure LOC B, Kamloops Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Kamloops NDB.

 

Full Procedure ILS Approaches (Simulator).

Description:

This exercise examines the application of the procedure turn to transition onto the localiser and glideslope of an ILS approach.  This exercise qualifies for accreditation.

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

N/A

Practical Applications:

Full procedure ILS Runway 07, Abbotsford Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Abbotsford NDB.

Full procedure ILS Runway 16, Cranbrook Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Cranbrook NDB.

Full Procedure ILS Runway 12, Sandspit Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Zulu NDB.

Full Procedure ILS DME Runway 13, Prince Rupert Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Prince Rupert NDB.

 

GPS Approaches (Aircraft—Deferred).

Description:

This exercise is deferred to aircraft training owing to the need to apply approach loading procedures to the unique GPS system used—in the case of LFS, the KLN 94 coupled with the Aspen PFD.  In the aircraft, students learn learn how to load a GPS approach and how predict confirm RAIM prior to crossing of the final approach fix.  Basic GPS flight navigation is identical to localizer tracking.

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

LEG and OBS Modes of flight navigation operation.

IFR flight planning.

Approach loading and Modification.

RAIM procedures.

Missed approach and hold procedures.

Practical Applications:

                RNAV A Approach, Langley Airport (completed at the return of each IFR training flight).

Supplementary DME Approaches (Simulator).

Description:

This exercise examines the application of DME as a supplemental navigation aid in approach procedures.

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

N/A

Practical Applications:

NDB DME A, Terrace Airport, with missed approach and hold at Kitimat NDB.

LOC DME B, Kamloops Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Kamloops NDB.

LOC DME-2, Kelowna Airport, with missed approach and hold at Kelowna NDB.

Localiser Backcourse Procedures (Simulator).

Description:

This exercise examines Backcourse Localiser approaches—considered to be one of the most challenging form of non-precision approaches, owing to the close proximity of the localiser transmitter to the runway threshold.  In this exercise, students also experience the additional challenge of the “reverse-read” conventional (non-HSI) ILS cockpit display.

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

N/A

Practical Applications:

Full Procedure LOC Backcourse Runway 33, Prince George Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Prince George NDB.

Full Procedure LOC Backcourse DME Runway 29, Campbell River Airport, with missed approach to the Comox NDB.

LOC Backcourse VOR DME-2 Runway 33, Prince George Airport, with missed approach and hold at the Prince George NDB.

Standard Instrument Departures—SIDs (Simulator).

Description:

In this exercise students examine the procedures associated with a published IFR departure procedures.

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

N/A

Practical Applications:

Kelowna Departure (Vector), Runway 15, Kelowna Airport.

City Route departure, Runway 08, Kamloops Airport.

Climb-gradient departure (Category B), Runway 16, Cranbrook Airport.

Specified Visibility departure (Category A), Castlegar Airport.

Naramata Route, Specified Visibility departure (Category A), Runway 34, Penticton Airport.

Standard Terminal Arrival Routes—STARs (Simulator).

Description:

In this exercise students examine the procedures associated with a published IFR arrival procedures.

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

N/A

Practical Applications:

Duncan Arrival (via Vancouver VORTAC), Victoria Airport.

Duncan Arrival (via Victoria VOR), Victoria Airport, with hold at DUNCN.

Impor Arrival (via Vancouver VORTAC), Victoria Airport.

Impor Arrival (via Watcom VORTAC), Victoria Airport, with hold at IMPOR.

 

Practice Simulated Flight Test (Simulator).

Description:

This exercise provides a dress rehearsal for the simulated flight test on the simulator, consisting of a Langley Airport departure, a hold at the Abbotsford NDB, a vectored ILS at Abbotsford Airport, a hold at the Whatcom VORTAC, and a full-procedure NDB at Abbotsford Airport.

Standards: 

N/A

Pre-flight Briefing Subjects:

N/A

Practical Applications:

Langley departure.

VORTAC Hold

Vectored ILS

Full procedure NDB

RNAV A Approach Langley

Moderate winds meaning, generally, between 10 and 20 knots.

This is an interesting hold—note that the hold is on the inside of the FAF, and therefore the HSI has to be alligned with the runway cernterline, opposite to the inbound heading for the hold.