IFR Clearance Practice

[SnapRoll]

Fella's, much obliged - this stuff is great review for an old hand that hasn't filed IFR in years but tryin to get back at it without looking too much like a fool. These kind of forums are what makes the net such a useful tool. Thanks again - Snappy

[flygirltammy]

Thanks for this. I like to listen for practice also.

Something I just thought of tonight was maybe copying one of these clearances and then setting up the flight sim on my computer to execute it at least until the 1st fix (assuming I have the charts, of course).

Has anyone tried this?

[KSYR-pjr]

Something I just thought of tonight was maybe copying one of these clearances and then setting up the flight sim on my computer to execute it at least until the 1st fix (assuming I have the charts, of course).

Yes, I used to do this when I was an instrument student.  It definitely helped. 

If you are not aware, you can browse online all current US IFR charts (both low and high en route) as well as sectional and terminal charts here:   http://skyvector.com

[rbrong]

This is a great use of the flight sim.  I use Microsoft FSX myself and can't speak for the other sims but you can accurately fly approaches, departures, enroute segments, and just about anything IFR you can think of.  All the IFR plates are available online.  You can get them from the source at this link.  http://www.naco.faa.gov/index.asp?xml=naco/online/d_tpp.  You can also download them from sources like AOPA.  As for the enroute charts you can usually find an old one that will work fine for practice at your local FBO or from an Instrument rated pilot.  Enjoy!

- RB

[flygirltammy]

Thanks for the links!! Certainly a big help.

[rbrong]

I like to come home after an IFR lesson and go practice what we did on the sim to (hopefully) correct errors I have made in the process.  It's also good to go toss in an unfamiliar approach just to test your skills.  Even though it isn't perfect, the G1000 in FSX is a pretty good approximation of the real thing if you fly IFR in glass.

Good luck!

RB

[flygirltammy]

I like to come home after an IFR lesson and go practice what we did on the sim to (hopefully) correct errors I have made in the process.  It's also good to go toss in an unfamiliar approach just to test your skills.  Even though it isn't perfect, the G1000 in FSX is a pretty good approximation of the real thing if you fly IFR in glass.

Good luck!

RB

Yeah, I had been just fixing the mistakes I made in the lesson. I don't know why it took me so long to think of practicing unfamiliar clearances in this way. I did start IFR training with the G1000, but finances makes me stick to the older panel.

BTW, listening to the feeds I download here on the site helps me get through my otherwise dull but necessary office cubicle job. Thank sooooo much.

[rbrong]

I'm with you on that one!  Some people listen to music, we listen to ATC.  Go figure! 

[keith]

Thanks for this. I like to listen for practice also.

Something I just thought of tonight was maybe copying one of these clearances and then setting up the flight sim on my computer to execute it at least until the 1st fix (assuming I have the charts, of course).

Has anyone tried this?

You could do that.  You could also take it to another level entirely and check out VATSIM. It's an online network that allows pilots to interact with virtual ATC (real people, though) in a fairly realistic environment. It's one thing to listen to recorded clearances...it's another thing to read them back over the radio!

That network allows you to file, pick up your clearance, fly the route, and interact with ATC the whole time....for free.  I used it during my VFR and IFR training, it was invaluable.  My radio comms are unquestionably better as a result of being involved with the network.  Many of the ppl on this forum are familiar with it (as pilots and/or controllers), too.

There's also something to be said for flying practice approaches online with ATC, rather than offline on the sim.  Try flying into a non-towered field under IMC with a buddy in another plane.  One of you is going to get a hold until the other person is down and/or cancels their flight plan.  Being given a hold that you weren't expecting is very helpful, and not something you can surprise yourself with while flying offline. 

I could go on for hours, but anyone who is pursuing an IFR rating should consider it. You can't beat the price.

[flygirltammy]

Sometimes ATC IS music for me  People sometimes walk by and ask me what I'm listening to. Then they usually just say "Oh.", give a puzzled look and walk away. I fully own my aviation geekiness.

VATSIM...wow, thanks Keith. I have honestly never heard of it before. I just signed up.

[gstream]

thank You Sir for your kind help we really appreciate your help.

[gstream]

yes sir copied as it was

[merlix]

Hi rbrong,

Look, I'm a french pilot trying to train myself for a french exam aof english, and I was happy to find this kind of recording.
But I miss a lot of  information such as Airport names, Navaids names, so do you know if there's anyplace where I could find any transcript of these audio files ?
However, thanks again to post this kind of file !

That's help me a lot,

Cheers,

Bertrand

[rbrong]

Hello Bertrand,

As far as I know there isn't a transcript of the audio files.  However, I invite you to do what another LiveATC user from Brazil has been doing.  He sends me an audio file with questions on specific parts of the recording and I'll write back with what I hear.

Understanding all the airport names, navaids, and fixes when you haven't already studied the flight ahead of time can be confusing.  I'd recommend looking online for charts and plates for the areas mentioned in the clearance recordings.  You can find the FAA information at: http://www.avn.faa.gov/index.asp?xml=naco/online/d_tpp  All of my recordings are clearances from Reno, Nevada, (KRNO) so that might be a good place to start.  As far as I know this resource is just for US airspace, though.  I'm not sure if there is an online equivalent for other areas around the globe.

The SkyVector website (http://skyvector.com/) is also a good resource to see IFR Enroute charts online.  This might be a good resource for you, too.  Once again, though, it covers the US and not other parts of the globe.

I hope this is helpful.  Feel free to send me an email through the LiveATC site if you have specific questions on an audio file and I'll do what I can to help out.

Cheers -

Richard

[merlix]

Hi Richard,

Well, first thank you for you reply !
Then, at the moment, I'm trying to transcript the audio files by myself.
May be I will send to you what I wrote down with empty spaces for the words I was unable to understand.

I will also have a look to the websites links you gave me.

Thanks for that,

Bertrand