Methodology

IFR navigation requires a rigorous method. A good IFR pilot is not necessarily faster at mental calculations — they are better organized.

Fundamental Principles

1. Anticipate, don't react

In IFR, every action must be prepared in advance:

• Calculate the next heading before reaching the waypoint
• Prepare the radio frequency before needing it
• Estimate the leg time from the start of each segment

2. Scan the instruments

Adopt a regular visual circuit (scan pattern):

1. Primary instrument (RMI or course selector depending on the phase)
2. Heading (check compliance)
3. Speed (check stability)
4. Timer (check remaining time)
5. Return to the primary instrument

3. Verify and correct

Apply the Anticipate → Execute → Verify → Correct cycle:

• Never consider a calculation as final
• Cross-check information (DME vs timer, RMI vs course selector)
• Correct as soon as a deviation is detected

Work Organization