IFR Procedures
Standard IFR navigation procedures — holding patterns, approaches, and transitions.
IFR procedures are codified sequences that the pilot must execute precisely. The HOLD simulator focuses on two fundamental procedures: holding patterns and instrument approaches.
Covered Procedures
General Principles
Timing Compliance
In IFR, time is a navigation instrument in its own right:
- Holding legs have a prescribed duration
- Turns take a predictable amount of time (standard turn = 3°/s)
- Leg times between waypoints are calculated from ground speed
Anticipation
The IFR pilot must always anticipate:
- Begin the turn before the waypoint (to avoid overshooting it)
- Prepare the next leg during the current leg
- Continuous mental calculations (new heading, new time, wind correction)
Precision
IFR precision criteria:
| Parameter | Standard Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Heading | ± 5° |
| Altitude | ± 100 ft |
| Speed | ± 10 kt |
| Time | ± 10 s (holding leg) |