Navigation Question

[PTK]

...The other side is usefulness of the technology and using what is available to you. For example, I still tune VORs for reference when VFR. The OP was in a Class B approach environment cleared direct to a point that he was not familiar with. He needed technology ... to comply. Some FAR Parts (121/ can't remember 135 it's been so long?) require aircraft to tune an approach (if one is available) and remain on or above the glide slope on visual approaches. So I make that my habit if available. I bet having that up (and referencing it) might have saved a few guys from landing on the wrong runway ... or even worse, at the wrong airport? Why not use what is available to back yourself up?

Beginning in 1997 or so the FAA started pushing this "integrated method of instruction." They felt that even when VFR, going inside to the instruments and back outside is a good habit to develop. Especially at night. They changed the PTS (Practical Test Standards) because they wanted to help prepare pilots for inadvertent IMC, and more night experience.

That is not to take away from your point. Don't get focused on an iPad, just fly the plane ...

I do the same thing. If available I always will use an ILS, or a GPS approach just for reference on a visual approach. Keeping ATC in the loop so they know what I'm doing. Either request vtf or do it on my own. It may add a few minutes to my approach but it's good fun practice. The VASI's or PAPI's can be out or not available. Most often they're not coincident with ILS or GPS glidepaths. Sometimes I'll even share the fun and leave uncle Otto engaged! Keeps him from getting grumpy!

[Mooney20]

I'll add my vote for the technique of backing up a visual approach with available navigation aids. The runway you have in sight sometimes is not the one your confirmation bias thinks it is. If you don't believe me, check with captains of the Atlas 747-400 and Southwest 737 that landed at GA airports last summer.

[whiskytango]

I have found that when I ask for the spelling on a FAF I have been given in a visual approach, ATC will just give me a vector, and tell me to call them when the field is in sight.  That is a faster way to get rid of us FLIBs.

[yvesg]

FLIBs?

[Hank]

Yves, that would be "F*&%ing Little Itinerant Blip," which is how we appear on their radar, and thus the brush off that we often receive.

[midlifeflyer]

Well, I'm glad you got there alright, but here's a couple of tips that you can use next time.

 

Second, play around with ForeFlight. Learn about the Vectors-To-Final setup, and use it. 

 

 

Short comment on this part of the post. Loading VTF when VFR can be subject to the same problem as loading VTF IFR (although it really shouldn't be). More than once I have been asked to proceed to a fix outside the FAF on an approach when approaching a Class C or B airport VFR.

[Loogie]

Short comment on this part of the post. Loading VTF when VFR can be subject to the same problem as loading VTF IFR (although it really shouldn't be). More than once I have been asked to proceed to a fix outside the FAF on an approach when approaching a Class C or B airport VFR.

If you load VTF or the whole procedure on FF, it is better to switch to an IFR low map for a quick look, that way you will have fixes and good situational awareness of the possible options, it is simple to switch back to a sectional if needed afterwards.

Great advice by irishtiger BTW!

[midlifeflyer]

If you load VTF or the whole procedure on FF, it is better to switch to an IFR low map for a quick look, that way you will have fixes and good situational awareness of the possible options, it is simple to switch back to a sectional if needed afterwards.

Great advice by irishtiger BTW!

The IFR low altitude enroute might not help since there are usually fixes on an approach chart that are not on the en route.

If you load the approach chart in the "Charts" area and keep your sectional in the "Maps" area, it's only one tap to switch back and forth.

Personally, Even when IFR, I generally prefer sectionals, especially once I am in the approach environment. So even when flying an instrument approach, I use ForeFlight's ability to overlay the approach chart over the sectional (which provides other benefits as well).

[Super Dave]

Just flew into KGYY this morning and noticed that GY LOM is no more. I always thought is was poorly named because of the garie/Gary confusion.