IFR Approach & Departure Gotchas Course (PilotWorkshops)

Every IFR procedure is designed to be as standardized as possible—but when something isn't standard, there's usually an important reason. This course helps you recognize those hidden "gotchas" before they become a problem, so you can plan ahead, reduce workload, and fly instrument procedures with greater confidence. Through real-world demonstrations and practical explanations, you'll learn how experienced IFR pilots identify and manage these situations.

What You'll Learn

• Identify common IFR approach and departure "gotchas" before they catch you by surprise.
• Recognize non-standard procedures and understand why they exist.
• Reduce cockpit workload through better planning and preparation.
• Handle steep approaches, circling approaches, and complex RNAV procedures with greater confidence.
• Understand departure procedures including ODPs, SIDs, climb gradients, and VCOAs.
• Avoid common automation and GPS programming mistakes.
• Better manage missed approaches and other high-workload situations.
• Learn practical briefing techniques that help you spot hidden threats before every flight.
• Improve your understanding of modern Garmin avionics and how they can help you avoid common IFR traps.

Course Includes

• 13 scenario-based video lessons covering IFR approaches and departures.
• 3 bonus training videos on approach briefings, IFR departures, and Garmin avionics.
• Online streaming access from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Optional video downloads for offline viewing.
• Lifetime access with no expiration.

Meet Your Instructor

Ryan Koch

CFII, Director of Product Development

Ryan is responsible for the design and development of our new online training courses and pilot-friendly manuals, and oversees the course development team. He is also an active flight instructor specializing in instrument flight, is a flight simulator expert, and has experience doing remote flight instruction via simulators.

Ryan was the driving force behind the development of several PilotWorkshops online courses, including Instrument Rating Accelerator, IFR: The Missing Lessons, Garmin GTN: Next Level, and Advanced IFR. Ryan is also a contributing expert for PilotWorkshops' IFR Mastery series and is a regular participant in the Instructor's Roundtable. He teaches ground schools, runs ATC communications courses for both IFR and VFR pilots, and has developed curriculum for a variety of IFR proficiency programs, and a simulator-centered high school aviation program.