Ifr

IFR challenge: Take your proficiency to the next level

Practicing approaches under the hood is one thing--flying in hard IMC is another. But some of the new equipment and technologies make it a little simpler to fly in the system and maintain a high level of precision. For example, GPS is accurate to about 110 feet laterally and Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) to 10 feet laterally, according to the Air Safety Institute.

So how can you take your IFR skills to the next level? AOPA Aviation Summit in Long Beach, Calif., Nov. 11 through 13 will offer advanced IFR forums for new and experienced instrument pilots. (Even VFR pilots interested in the IFR environment can learn a thing or two).

Get tips on IFR flying from pilots who fly in the system every day in all kinds of weather with the Air Safety Institute’s “Real World IFR” seminar on Nov. 11 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Nov. 12 from 2 to 3 p.m., and Nov. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The practical advice you will learn will help you transition from basic IFR flying to the world of professional piloting.

In “Practical Tips for Flying GPS and WAAS-Based Approaches,” 2008 National CFI of the Year Max Trescott will discuss these approaches and safe techniques for flying them on Nov. 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. and Nov. 13 from 2 to 3 p.m.

Summit’s advanced IFR forums are consistently among the most popular offered each year, demonstrating pilots’ desire to improve their skills and safety in the clouds. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn tips and techniques that could save your life and make your next flight in the system smoother. Register for Summit and check out more safety forums. —AOPA ePublishing staff