179. Block Island Bind

Instructors
Doug Stewart

The conventional wisdom for many pilots flying ILS approaches was to simply convert to a localizer-only approach if the glideslope didn’t behave as expected. Is there an equivalent for an RNAV LPV? And if so, how much time is enough to change the plan on an approach in actual conditions?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

176. Lee Landing Limbo

Instructors
Catherine Cavagnaro

Low clouds, small runway, slick airplane … this sounds like an NTSB report waiting to happen. Then again, you have the skill, the fuel, and the time to make a well-executed attempt with no pressure to make it work out. And you have several backup choices. Stick with the plan or bail out now?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

172. Late Hold at Herlong

Instructors
Frank Bowlin

Pilots in the digital age will tell you that avionics proficiency can erode even faster than an instrument scan. How will you handle a canceled clearance with a last-minute hold when you know at least three different ways to accomplish the task? Can you make the magic box behave in time?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

168. Lateral Discrepancy at Laconia

Instructors
Bruce Williams

One of the pillars of instrument training is trusting your equipment while also verifying the data it presents. That’s fine when there’s a third datapoint to break the tie. But what do you do when your only two navigation sources show a slight discrepancy—but it’s at the end of an approach where every foot matters?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

165. Making the Call at Kingston

Instructors
Doug Stewart

Dogs make great passengers. They don’t care about the schedule. They don’t talk when ATC calls. And they don’t worry when you’re puzzling through an issue. That’s a plus as you try and decide which approach is best to get you and a pooch into the airport—or if you should even try an approach at […]

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

163. Kickapoo Cancellation Complications

Instructors
Tom Haines

Chart prohibitions are there for a reason and regulations, so they say, are written in blood. That’s fine until the prohibitions and the regulations conflict with each other, and neither one seems to be an issue of safety. Do you cancel, circle, or continue under IFR to finish a flight at a basically VMC destination?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

160. Best Forward Speed

Instructors
Doug Stewart

Every instrument pilot ends up here sooner or later: You thought there was time to slow down before the go down—and it didn’t work out. Now you’re behind the eight-ball and above the V-speeds to get stuff out and slow down. Is there a sure way to fix this that’s not salvaging an already unstable […]

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

155. Foggy Thinking

Instructors
Tom Haines

A delightful night flight home turns into a surprise missed approach only seconds from landing. Now back above the unforecast—and widespread—fog, you’re fat on fuel but short on options with the clock already passing midnight. You’ll have to balance between longer time in the air and making the next landing attempt a sure thing.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

147. Vertical Guidance Give and Take

Instructors
Bruce Williams

Common wisdom says that flying a constant-descent approach on a glidepath results in a safer, more stable approach than the old “dive-and-drive.” But what do you do when that technique is almost certain to result in a missed approach—while the old-school method will likely reveal a runway you can land on?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

145. Wanna Walla Walla

Instructors
Bruce Williams

Weather and alternate airport options required calculating your fuel down to the minute. Now you’re airborne and your destination is a weak bet at best. If you swing and miss, you’ll have a choice between a legal option that’s no sure thing and a safe one that’s on the wrong side of the regs.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

143. No Second Chances

Instructors
Tom Haines

The best thing about personal minimums is that they remove subjectivity. This removes the temptation to “just take a look” or “try it once more.” But what happens when that absolute is challenged by something you never expected—and maybe shouldn’t even count? Is that a valid reason to make an exception?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

140. Trusting Your Training

Instructors
Keith Smith

The whole point of instrument proficiency training is keeping yourself ready for the days when you must actually fly in the clouds. However, months—or even years—can go by where circumstances prevent flight in actual IMC. How much can you rely on simulators, videos, and other training aids to ensure a flight in real clouds won’t […]

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

137. Doubt About The Dalles

Instructors
Doug Stewart

The motto for instrument approach design might be “safety through structure.” You’re now facing an approach where the most structured option is the least likely to succeed. Is that still the best choice, or is one of three less restrictive options the best for reaching the runway without hitting the rocks?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

133. Missed‌ ‌Below‌ ‌The‌ ‌DA‌

Instructors
Tom Turner

Instrument pilots should assume the approach will end in a missed approach until a landing is assured. At the same time, all pilots should conduct a go-around—even into the flare—if the landing goes poorly. So what happens when your go-around requires a missed approach that should have started two miles behind you?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

129. Baffling Options at Bend

Instructors
Bruce Williams

What will you prioritize: Chart notes that seem pointless (and are perhaps even wrong), or your personal preference for an approach procedure? Does it matter that the legal answer might be more personally hazardous? Does it matter that doing it the “right” way means an even longer flight to finish the day?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

126. VNAV Goes AWOL

Instructors
Ryan Koch

You’re loving the upgraded avionics you use every day for work as a cargo pilot—until the GPS throws an error message you’ve never seen before. Suddenly, a successful approach is in doubt. With no time to troubleshoot and ceilings just above minimums, can you find a solution or must you give up on the mission?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

123. Agile in Montgomery

Instructors
Tom Haines

The flight was planned in a narrow zone above the MEAs but below the icing. That zone dwindles to zero just as the destination comes in reach, but you aren’t ATC’s priority. Then a controller offers you exactly what you want. Now you must ask yourself: Is it what you need? 

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

119. Boston Bait and Switch

Instructors
Kevin Plante

You’re keeping your speed up until final at a busy Class B airport. Then ATC throws you a curveball: a visual approach to a crossing runway. You swing a tight downwind, base and final—only to go back in the clouds. But there’s no missed approach from a visual, so what will you do?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

117. Poor Choices over Richfield

Instructors
Doug Stewart

With mountains below and icing above, you already have a narrow envelope for finishing this flight. Then a GPS issue leaves you with only four airports available for an approach—each of which lies in a different direction. How will you choose knowing that once you make the call you’re committed and there’s little leeway for […]

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

115. No Approach Here

Instructors
John Krug

GPS has enabled approaches at far more airports than ever before. But with over 5000 public use airports in the U.S. alone, there will always be times when the weather demands IFR and your destination has no instrument approach. Can you “borrow” an approach from a nearby airport without breaking the rules or an airplane?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

111. Lowball in the High Country

Instructors
Ryan Koch

It’s a cold and snowy approach to Boise, Idaho. All is going well until your altimeter disagrees with your glideslope indications. You’re used to making cold-weather corrections, but none are needed for this approach. Do you continue on faith, adjust your minimums, or give up even though your business future is on the line?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

109. Evasive Action in Norfolk

Instructors
Doug Stewart

You’re flying the last approach of a three-day intensive IFR training program. The workload has been high, but the results are great. You’re practically one with your airplane. When you break out and see the runway is dead ahead, you cancel IFR—and a moment later must make a split-second decision to avoid disaster.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

108. Smoke Circles in Montana

Instructors
Wally Moran

Circling approaches have their place—and this time that place is between a rock and something hard. Visibility is restricted, so by the time you see the airport, if you fly this as published, you’ll be hot and high. But the terrain and traffic limit other options. What’s the best way to resolve this conundrum?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

104. Traffic in the Pattern

Instructors
Doug Stewart

At the end of a long flight, you just want to land, but a trainee controller and instrument practice traffic have created the perfect storm—and you’ve just been cleared directly into it. Can you trust a controller who’s already made an operational error, or will you violate an FAR because you believe it will avoid […]

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

103. The Route to Limbo

Instructors
Keith Smith

Professional flying means rolling with the changes thrown your way. However, a last-minute route change has you scratching your head, while the passengers in the back twiddle their thumbs. The simplest solution makes things harder for you, but the safest one could be a challenge on your equipment. How will you get this flight underway?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

95. Which Approach At Frederick?

Instructors
Dave Hirschman

If you want a landing at your home airport tonight, you’ll need to make a tough call. Will you fly an ILS that has an unusually high visibility requirement, a localizer approach that could leave you too high, a circle-to-land that’s aligned with the wind, or simply land elsewhere? Perhaps synthetic vision will help.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

90. Paying The Water Bill

Instructors
Doug Stewart

Every pilot has been there: A need to drain a certain personal sump and a choice between holding it or diverting for a pit stop. However, this diversion is in IMC and the best approach includes a requirement you can’t meet, but certainly won’t need. Will you go for it … or just go later?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

79. Curve Ball At Palomar

Instructors
Jeff Van West

Your hotrod airplane has the latest GPS navigator, but that opens the door to procedures you’ve never seen before. How will you handle an approach in IMC when it contains something you’ve never practiced? Think fast; at your current groundspeed, the decision will be made for you in 20 seconds.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

72. Hanging Out Over Groton

Instructors
Bob Martens

It’s a dark and chilly autumn night with your family in the back as you approach the seaside airport your plane calls home. You’re faced with a dilemma: Accept a few minutes flying low and over the water on approach, or divert only for fear of something so unlikely, it’s hardly ever considered.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

71. Phantom Aircraft At Erie

Instructors
Mark Kolber

After a challenging series of practice approaches, you return to your home airport to find that winds and traffic seem completely different than ADS-B weather led you to expect. In fact, it seems aircraft are popping up out of nowhere, busting VFR minimums, and landing the wrong way. What now?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

69. The Tower At Santa Maria

Instructors
John Krug

It’s a crystal clear night as you descend for Santa Maria, California on an IFR flight plan. You’re feeling secure and ahead of the airplane until ATC throws you a curveball that puts everything into question: They say you’re low, even though your centered on the approach and PAPI. How can this be?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

68. Maintaining Personal Minimums

Instructors
Wally Moran

Since getting your instrument rating, you’ve been steadily honing your skills–and lowering your personal minimums. Now you’re faced with an approach that’s below your current personal minimums, but above the minimums you were planning on going to. Will you give yourself a “field promotion”?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

63. The Hills Around Sydney

Instructors
Bob Nardiello

Modern avionics improve safety with both advanced guidance and built-in warnings. What do you do when the guidance says you’re spot-on and safe but the warning says you’d better change plans and fast? This approach to Sidney, NY has you stumped and you have only seconds to figure it out.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

61. Getting Into Greenville

Instructors
John Krug

It’s a rare day when dozens of VFR aircraft complicate an instrument approach to minimums, but that’s exactly what’s happening as you try to visit the Greenville International Seaplane Fly-In. Is there a way to end this flight safely, or is it simply time to call it quits? The decision is up to you.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

59. A Different Kind Of Approach

Instructors
Wally Moran

Not everyone can afford a glass panel in their aircraft, but the iPad revolution means anyone can have a moving map and backup attitude indicator for less money than a new TV. Having that backup is one thing, but using it in place of an instrument during an emergency is something else.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

55. A Dizzying Approach

Instructors
Bob Martens

It sounded perfect for building your IFR confidence: 1000-foot ceilings and stable clouds with a mission to bring your daughter home from a commercial airport to your home town. Now you’re on approach in IMC without an instructor on board–and the instrument indications don’t make sense.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

51. Disappearing in the Fog

Instructors
Tom Turner

A chance to ferry a plane for your local FBO and build up some free flight hours goes well until you approach the destination airport to find fog is rapidly closing in. You realize there are several legal options that will allow you to complete this flight. But of those items, what’s still safe?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

48. GPS Approach at Charleston

Instructors
Bob Nardiello

Pilots must be prepared to say “unable” when are asked to do something beyond their personal capability or comfort level. At the same time, we all want to fit in with the flow of traffic and help ATC out where we can — especially when flying IFR. What will you say?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

38. Localizer Approach at Suffolk

Instructors
Wally Moran

Advanced avionics in modern light airplanes should be a pilot’s best friend, but if a pilot doesn’t have a complete understanding of the equipment, a simple mistake can lead to big trouble. Sometimes just ONE button push, is enough to create confusion and leave you way behind the airplane.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

36. Circling Approach In Michigan

Instructors
Bob Martens

You’re maneuvering your airplane to land during the final stages of a circling approach. Add low weather conditions, nervous passengers, and a few other minor distractions to the mix and the risk is quickly cranked up. Will this be straightforward, or a seriously challenging maneuver?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

30. Fog Over Georgia

Instructors
Wally Moran

You have a new glass-panel airplane, but you’re not instrument current or proficient using the new equipment. You are planning an important business trip and might need to fly IFR. A local CFI whom you’ve never flown with offers to make the trip with you. It seems like a good idea, until you get into […]

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

24. Localizer Outage at Nantucket

Instructors
John Krug

Failures are never good, but the worst place is in the last stage of the approach—especially when you can’t do anything to fix it. Ride along as John Krug presents a scenario based on a real situation that happened to him. Nothing is off limits when the stuff hits the fan.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

22. A Danbury Approach

Instructors
Bob Martens

Non-precision approaches can be challenging, especially when the weather is near minimums. The risk increases when the airport is surrounded by terrain in all quadrants. Add a high-performance airplane that’s new to you and a wet runway, and you’ve got the recipe for trouble.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

19. Approach to Mena

Instructors
Bob Nardiello

In non-radar environments, the pilot must fly an instrument approach legally, safely and efficiently without the assistance, or protection, that an air-traffic controller provides. See if you’re up to the challenge of managing all the details and decisions without a helpful eye of ATC.

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

10. Night Approach to Minimums

Instructors
Bob Martens

After a long cross country trip, you are faced with the prospect of making an approach to minimums with deteriorating weather and strong turbulence. To make matters worse, you’re attempting the approach at night after a long day of flying. How will you make a rough day end well?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

5. Super Bowl Arrival

Instructors
Wally Moran, John Krug

When you’re offered Super Bowl tickets on the morning of the big game, owning your own airplane means you can fly yourself and a friend to Dallas in plenty of time to make the kickoff. Everything is perfect, except for the weather. Now you’ll have to make some tricky decisions. See you at the game?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in

2. Circling Approach vs Tailwind

Instructors
Bob Nardiello

Sometimes the best choice is not so obvious, and each option creates unique challenges. This is a real-world situation and your evaluation and decision making can make the difference between an uneventful approach and a hazardous one. How will your decisions play out?

Scenarios in the library are only available to Mastery members.
Start your VFR Mastery Membership now to get full access. Already a member? log in