IFR Training

Online IFR flight training from PilotWorkshops.com

Complete IFR Proficiency Series
Raises Your Instrument Flying To A Higher Standard!

IFR Training from PilotWorkshops.com

Discover how professional pilots:

Analyze and interpret weather
Plan the safest route
Use the latest online tools
Avoid hazardous weather
Manage workload in the cockpit
Adjust to changing weather
Nail their instrument approaches
Work effectively with ATC
Handle single pilot operations
Avoid deadly IFR traps
React to in-flight emergencies

See the complete training course overview below...

What Makes This Program Unique?

This training program is not meant to help you "ace" the instrument knowledge test. It goes well beyond that. The Complete IFR Proficiency Series is specifically designed to improve your skills in every aspect of instrument flight, focusing on the areas that matter most.

The real strength of this program is the panel of expert instructors we have assembled (see their bios below). You will no doubt recognize many of these instructors. You may have seen them speak at a national conference or read their articles in leading publications. They are the best of the best…award-winning instructors recognized nationally for their achievements.

Our instructors take you through their own personal experiences and offer tips learned from decades of teaching instrument pilots. Their stories are powerful and contain valuable lessons you will not forget.

The Value of Workshops

The training is delivered in short, highly focused workshops specifically designed with the busy pilot in mind.

Multimedia Workshops:
Many of the concepts taught in this IFR series are technical and require images to support the training. The technical (multimedia) workshops are viewed on your computer, with high resolution graphics, images, audio and animation. Our workshop viewer is easy to use and runs on all computers (including Windows Vista and Mac). In addition, these programs require no installation…just pop the CD-ROM into your computer it will start automatically.

Audio Workshops:
Some of the lessons taught in this series do not require visual support. For instance – IFR Communications. These lessons are delivered on audio CDs, so you can listen to them in your car or while you work out. This allows busy pilots to take advantage of down time and learn at their own pace.

Training Course Overview

The course is delivered in a series of modules and provides a structured approach to improve your proficiency in all areas of instrument flying. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with your ongoing commitment to IFR excellence.

Module 1 - IFR Weather & Flight Planning
These workshops teach you how to interpret the weather using the latest online tools. Learn to plan the safest route and adjust to changing weather conditions along your flight.

Workshop Title	Length	Description	Format
Top 10 Weather Myths	13:14	Aviation weather expert Scott Dennstaedt examines the top 10 weather myths and sets the record straight with the facts. Topics include turbulence, virga, mountain waves, radiation fog, airmets, t-storm clouds, icing, PIREPS and more.	Multimedia Computer
Proper Use of TAFs	5:00	Like all weather products, TAFs have important limitations that pilots must be aware of. In this short workshop, Scott Dennstaedt will explain a common mistake pilots make when using TAFs to plan cross country flights.	Multimedia Computer
Avoiding T-Storms and Severe Turbulence	11:22	One of the most difficult parts of flight planning is determining if thunderstorms or severe turbulence will affect your IFR trip. Scott Dennstaedt shows you step-by-step how to identify the threat of convective turbulence.	Multimedia Computer
Avoiding Hazardous Weather Systems	15:46	Scott Dennstaedt had a first hand encounter with an upper level trough that nearly lead to serious trouble. He shares this experience and explains how you can identify hazardous weather systems and factor them into your IFR planning.	Multimedia Computer
On Top - Flying Over a Weather System	17:28	Quite often, instrument pilots are faced with a difficult decision...should I fly through or over a weather system. Scott Dennstaedt tells you when over is better and shows you 5 online weather tools you must check.	Multimedia Computer
Flight Planning Best Practices - Part One	8:57	Bob Nardiello walks through his process for planning an IFR trip, starting 36-48 hours before the flight. Monitoring the weather will allow you to plan your route in advance and develop a window for departure on the day of the flight.	Multimedia Computer
Flight Planning Best Practices - Part Two	10:49	Bob explains how he updates the weather picture in the 24 hours leading up to the flight, including departure, points en route, intermediate stops and destination. He refines his route, plans fuel stops and selects optimum altitudes for each leg.	Multimedia Computer
IFR Cross Country Scenario - Part One	12:38	Bob Nardiello walks you through a real IFR flight planning scenario. The proposed route from Portland, ME to Atlanta, GA had its share of adverse weather. Bob takes you step by step through his planning process and shows you the tools he uses to develop an optimal flight plan.	Multimedia Computer
IFR Cross Country Scenario - Part Two	9:31	The leg from Richmond, VA to Atlanta required some tactical planning to avoid a line of heavy precipitation. Bob reviews the options (continue, turn around, divert, fly around the back side of the front) and explains his strategy for evaluating each option.	Multimedia Computer
Why Ice is So Dangerous	6:49	Icing is one of the most hazardous weather conditions you can encounter. Bob Nardiello explains the impact icing has on aircraft performance and safety.	Multimedia Computer
Structural Icing - Where/How It Deposits	13:20	Bob describes the different types of structural icing - wing, tail plane, propeller, pitot static, windshield and induction system icing. He explains how you can detect and counteract each these hazardous conditions.	Multimedia Computer
Icing Precautions and Planning	7:17	Your preflight actions go a long way towards avoiding unexpected icing encounters. Bob reviews the critical information you must know, where to find it and how to develop a plan for avoiding icing conditions. He also describes some precautions you can take that will help you deal with inadvertent icing encounters.	Multimedia Computer
Surviving Ice Encounters - Part One	8:21	Bob gives you 2 taxi tips and 5 takeoff and climb tips that will greatly improve your safety when ice is a concern. He also tells you when a 180 degree turn and emergency declaration are necessary.	Multimedia Computer
Surviving Ice Encounters - Part Two	12:47	Bob provides tips for handling icing hazards specific to enroute, descent, approach and landing. Topics covered include assessing options, exit strategy, freezing rain, proper use of autopilot, descent strategy and when no-flap landings are the best option.	Multimedia Computer

Module 2 - Mastering Instrument Approaches
These workshops provide tips and tactics to help you master both precision and non-precision instrument approaches.

Workshop Title	Length	Description	Format
Mastering ILS Approaches	12:31	Bob Nardiello discusses his strategy for maintaining positional awareness and airspeed during an ILS approach. He describes a common mistake pilots make at DA and what you can do to ensure a smooth transition to visual conditions.	Multimedia Computer
Mastering Non-Precision Approaches	8:44	Bob Nardiello walks you step-by-step through the traps you can encounter on a non-precision approach and how to deal with them. He also provides tips for flying a missed approach.	Multimedia Computer
Descending on a Non-Precision Approach	17:41	By nature, non-precision approaches offer a degree of latitude to pilots when descending to the runway environment. Which approach offers you the best advantage of being able to find the airport and land when the visibility is low? Rod Machado offers his recommendation.	Multimedia Computer
Minimizing the Risk of Circling Approaches	13:07	Circling Approaches are approved for use by all instrument pilots, however they must be done with extreme caution. Bob Martens offers his frank analysis of circling approaches that you'll want to listen to before accepting the risks associated with this challenging maneuver.	Multimedia Computer
Approach Chart Analysis	15:54	This is a roll-up-your-sleeves look at a complex approach plate. Bob Nardiello reviews the details that can bite you if you're not aware of them, and identifies the key points that you must know before flying an ILS approach.	Multimedia Computer
Briefing The Approach	10:08	During an IFR flight, pilots must remain ahead of the workload - especially during the approach segments of the flight. Doug Stewart will walk you step-by-step though his process for briefing a Jeppesen plate to extract the critical information you need to fly a smooth and safe approach.	Multimedia Computer
Deadly IFR Traps	26:13	Wally Moran has been a flight instructor for 47 years and conducts over 100 check rides each year. He has seen first hand how simple mistakes can lead to serious trouble when pilots are flying instrument approaches. In this workshop, Wally will review the deadly IFR traps and provide tips and tactics to avoid them.	Audio CD
Managing Practice Approaches	20:14	John Krug understands the stress practice approaches can put on the system. He offers tips to help you minimize the disruption while getting maximum value for your training.	Audio CD

Module 3 - Single Pilot IFR
Flying single pilot IFR is one of the greatest challenges in general aviation. These workshops tackle the challenges head on and provide tools to help you fly single pilot IFR with safety and confidence.

Workshop Title	Length	Description	Format
Single Pilot IFR Preflight	24:51	Single Pilot IFR flight requires extra preparation. Doug Stewart walks through the P.A.V.E. checklist and highlight the critical preflight items that must be considered.	Multimedia Computer
IFR Flight Planning Considerations	10:56	There are many factors that affect your IFR route. Weather is the most obvious one, but there are additional items you should look at as well. Doug reveals the "not so obvious" factors that must be considered when planning your next Single Pilot IFR flight.	Multimedia Computer
GPS Tips for IFR Flight	12:08	GPS is a great tool that can reduce workload. If used improperly, however, it can actually increase your workload and lead to serious trouble. Doug will provide operational tips to ensure your GPS is your ally in the cockpit. He'll also point out some common mistakes that can get you in trouble when you're alone in the soup.	Multimedia Computer
Managing Workload - Part One	18:02	IFR flying can be extremely demanding, especially Single Pilot IFR operations. To stay ahead of the workload, you must stay busy. Doug will tell you the 2 questions you must constantly ask yourself during the flight to stay ahead of the airplane.	Multimedia Computer
Managing Workload - Part Two	12:04	There's plenty you can do during the enroute portion of your flight that will keep you out of trouble and have you better prepared to fly your approach. Topics include working with ATC, monitoring weather and selecting the approach.	Multimedia Computer
Building IFR Proficiency	12:01	Given the demands of single pilot IFR flying, it is important to develop a plan for building and maintaining a high level of proficiency. Doug will explain the steps you can take to become a capable and confident pilot flying in the instrument world.	Multimedia Computer
Single Pilot IFR - Q&A	54:00	Listen to this live teleconference recording where Doug Stewart answers pilot's questions about IFR flying. Topics include GPS, preflight planning, weather, planning tools, ATC, approaches, equipment and proficiency.	Audio CD
IFR Personal Minimums	10:55	Wally Moran explains the 4 important criteria you should use to recognize your own limitations when planning an IFR flight. You'll also learn how one simple decision can completely eliminate you from the category of pilots with the highest fatality rate in general aviation.	Audio CD

Module 4 - IFR Communications
ATC communication takes on a whole new level of importance when you are operating in the IFR system. Instrument pilots must be proficient in this important area of flying in order to minimize risk and get the most benefit from the ATC system.

Workshop Title	Length	Description	Format
IFR Communications: Routes & Clearances	29:27	John Krug and Bob Adelizzi are veteran Air Traffic Controllers (over 50 years experience combined) and are both instrument rated pilots. In this workshop, you'll learn why you don't always get the route you filed as well as tips for picking up your clearance at a towered airport.	Audio CD
IFR Communications: Enroute & Approach	29:33	John Krug and Bob Adelizzi focus on the enroute and approach segments of a flight. They provide a greater understanding of how the system works and help you work efficiently with ATC to reduce your stress and workload.	Audio CD
IFR Communications: Non-Towered Airports	15:49	John Krug and Bob Adelizzi will explain the best way to contact ATC from a non-towered airport to pick up a clearance and cancel an IFR flight plan. They will also explain the challenges that controllers face with radar coverage and who is responsible for traffic separation.	Audio CD
ATC Emergency Assistance	22:44	ATC can be an invaluable resource when you are faced with an in-flight emergency. John Krug describes the resources ATC has at their disposal to help you out of a difficult situation. He also explains when and how you should declare an emergency and how the controller can assist you.	Audio CD
IFR Clearances Made Easy	15:29	Picking up an IFR clearance isn't always easy, especially if you're departing from a non-towered airport. Doug Stewart tells you how to painlessly get a clearance without the void time pressure. He also has tips for keeping up with fast talking controllers, picking up clearances in the air and requesting pop-up clearances.	Audio CD

Module 5 - IFR Accident Analysis
These workshops examine the common and deadly IFR accident scenarios. The focus here is on lessons learned and prevention.

Workshop Title	Length	Description	Format
Cessna P210 Icing Accident	16:12	This accident scenario clearly points out the hazards of flying in icing conditions. As you'll see in this scenario, pilots must avoid conditions that cause structural icing that exceeds their aircraft's capabilities. Also, pilots must act quickly when ice starts to accumulate as it can have a dramatic and immediate impact on every aspect of aircraft performance.	Multimedia Computer
Beech C24 Thunderstorm Accident	12:58	Why would any pilot fly into a level five thunderstorm? Clearly, a tragic outcome is inevitable in this scenario. Unfortunately, even the most experienced pilots can make fatal errors in judgment. Bob Martens takes you through the sequence of events that lead to this accident.	Multimedia Computer
Mooney Loss of Control on Approach Accident	9:22	This is a chilling story with a tragic ending. The accident involved the pilot of a Mooney who died after losing control of his aircraft while executing a missed approach at night, in adverse weather. The aircraft actually struck trees during an initial approach attempt, but amazingly the flight continued. Unfortunately, things only got worse.	Multimedia Computer
V35 Circling Approach Accident	9:50	This accident involved the pilot of a V35 Bonanza who was flying a GPS approach to minimums, at night. He made a fatal decision that defies logic. Bob Martens will explore the factors that may have influenced this pilot's judgment and what we can learn from it.	Multimedia Computer

Meet The Instructors

Doug Stewart was the "National Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year” in 2004. A Master Certified Flight Instructor, Gold Seal Instructor and Designated Pilot Examiner - he is based at the Columbia County Airport (1B1) in Hudson, NY. He owns and operates his own flight school specializing in instrument training and has logged over 8000 hours of dual instruction given, with over 2000 hours of that being instrument instruction. He regularly gives instruction in aircraft as simple as the J-3 Cub, and as complex as the Piper Malibu / Mirage.

Rod Machado has been flying since 1970, instructing since 1973 and has over 8,000 hours of flight time earned the hard way--one CFI hour at a time. Since 1977 he has taught hundreds of flight instructor revalidation clinics and safety seminars and he was named the 1991 "Western Region Flight Instructor of the Year". Rod is the author of some of the most popular books, DVDs and CDs in aviation. You can read his monthly column in AOPA Pilot magazine as well as in Flight Training Magazine.

Bob Nardiello was the "Flight Instructor of the Year" in 2004 and "FAA Safety Counselor of the Year" in 2006 for the Windsor Locks Flight Standards District Office. He has over 10,000 hours of total flight experience, with more than 7,000 hours as a Flight Instructor. He currently holds CFI, CFII, MEI, and ATP ratings and serves as a Designated Pilot Examiner. Bob is the Assistant Chief Flight Instructor at a Part 141 Flight School and is also a seasoned charter pilot flying a Cessna 421 and Citation Ultra.

Scott Dennstaedt is a nationally known aviation weather expert, having the unique qualifications of being a meteorologist and a CFII. In addition to teaching aviation weather, Scott is a flight instructor in technically advanced aircraft including the Cessna 400/350 and Cirrus SR20 and SR22. He co-developed a recurrent training program for the Cessna Advanced Aircraft Club (CAAC) and the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). Scott is also a contributing editor for IFR magazine and has been a regular contributor to Plane & Pilot, Pilot Journal, Aviation Consumer and Twin & Turbine.

Bob Martens is a nationally known speaker, consultant and aviation safety expert. He retired from the FAA after spending 17 years as a Safety Program Manager. In this role, he delivered hundreds of live seminars devoted to General Aviation safety. Bob retired from the USAF (rank of Colonel) in 2000 after 30 years of active and reserve duty. He was an Aircraft Commander in a C-5A and also served as Flying Safety Officer and Chief of Safety with the 439th AirWing. Bob has logged thousands of flight hours in both military and GA aircraft.

Wally Moran is a retired airline captain and spent much of his career as a training instructor and check airman on aircraft including the Boeing 747 and 767. He has held a flight instructor certificate for over 47 years. Wally is a designated pilot examiner for single and multiengine aircraft and gliders. He is authorized to issue certificates all the way up to ATP and has given over 3400 hours of flight instruction in single engine, multiengine, tailwheel, gliders, seaplanes and instruments.

John Krug's 27 years experience as an Air Traffic Controller combined with his experience as an active flight instructor, allow him to assist pilots in gaining a better understanding of the ATC system and how to best operate in it. While with the FAA, he was an On-the-Job-Training Instructor for new controllers and worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist, responsible for conducting in-flight evaluations of the Air Traffic System and investigating accidents and incidents.

Bob Adelizzi has been a controller at Boston TRACON for twenty five years and affiliated with the FAA safety program for over twenty. Over the years he has briefed countless pilots at corporate flight departments and aviation colleges, and was recently asked to speak at the ACONE Crash Course 2007 and the AOPA Communication Seminar which had a combined attendance of over 600 pilots.

Here's What You'll Get

Your IFR training includes:
30 multimedia workshops delivered on 4 CD-ROMs. Simply slide in the disks and a menu will appear to guide you through the course. No installation or downloads required! The workshops feature audio, graphics, illustrations, animation and easy navigation features.
Hours of audio workshops on 4 Audio CDs. You can listen to these lessons on your home or car stereo. A great way to take advantage of idle time during long drives.
Transcripts of all 40 workshops are provided in PDF format on a CD-ROM. They can be printed on any computer and are a great place to take notes and review the material.
MP3 files for each of the audio workshops in the series are supplied on CD-ROM so you can copy them to your own PC or upload and listen to them on an iPod or MP3 player.
BONUS: With your purchase of this CD product, you will also get instant, online access to all the multimedia workshops! Start viewing the workshops immediately while we ship your disks.

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