Introduction
Instrument Flight
INTRODUCTION
The ultimate goal of instrument training is to enable you to fly your aircraft in an operational environment
under all weather conditions.
Basic Instruments (BI) places primary emphasis on aircraft control. Here you will learn the fundamental
procedures and patterns that enable you to progress to radio instrument navigation.
In Radio Instruments (RI), you will acquire the complex skills to navigate by reference to radio
instruments. In this stage, you will learn the procedures for planning local instrument navigation flights
and for identifying your aircraft’s position in relation to radio navigational aids on the ground.
In Airways Navigation (AN), you will put all of your instrument training into the real world context of cross-
country flight in instrument conditions. During the AN phase, you will refine the techniques acquired in RI
to properly plan and complete extended training flights, complying with all enroute and terminal
procedures.
As you have probably realized by now, AN will be one of the most demanding stages of your training, and
it will require much studying and planning. Here, a thorough working knowledge of procedures is
essential to your success on cross-country flights.
As important as the navigation procedures you will learn in RI and AN are, you must always recall your
priorities while in flight. Remember the rule: “Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.” Perform these functions
in that order. Maintaining desired flight parameters and monitoring aircraft systems should be your first
priority. Don’t become preoccupied with navigation at the expense of basic air-work. Remember, fly the
aircraft first.
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