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  How To Fly A Visual Climb Over Airport (VCOA) Under IFR

  If you can't safely maintain the required climb gradient for an instrument departure, a VCOA might be a great option. Here's what you need to know before you fly one under IFR.

  • • Article
  • Boldmethod
  • 08/11/2026
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  Case Study: Upslope Flow Convergence Thunderstorms

  If you fly over mountainous or rough terrain you'll see cumulus clouds and thunderstorms popping up in the same place day after day, on top of the ridgeline. Why is this?

  • • Article
  • Nicolas Shelton
  • 08/08/2026
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  How To Make A Perfect Crosswind Takeoff

  Crosswind on takeoff might not seem like that big of a deal. But if you don't add in corrections, you could end up skipping down, or off, the runway.

  • • Article
  • Colin Cutler
  • 08/04/2026
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  When Should You Start A 'Pilot's-Discretion' Descent?

  When ATC gives you a "pilot's discretion" descent under IFR, how do you plan for it?

  • • Article
  • Boldmethod
  • 08/01/2026

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  The Difference Between Decision Altitude (DA) and Decision Height (DH)

  DA and DH aren't interchangeable phrases, they're two completely different things. Let's look at the difference

  • • Article
  • Boldmethod
  • 07/23/2026
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  Pilots Receive ATC Low Altitude Alert From The Wrong Altimeter Setting

  A student and instructor received a "low altitude alert" from ATC after forgetting to reset their altimeter before an instrument approach.

  • • Article
  • Boldmethod
  • 07/18/2026
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  If AWOS Reports IFR Conditions When It's VFR, Can You Legally Land?

  If the weather report is incorrect, can you legally land?

  • • Article
  • Boldmethod
  • 06/30/2026
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  Is It Ever Safe To Fly Underneath A Towering Cumulus Cloud?

  What looks like a harmless cumulus cloud can quickly become a thunderstorm in the right conditions.

  • • Article
  • Boldmethod
  • 06/18/2026
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  What Happens If You Go Around After The Missed Approach Point On An Instrument Approach?

  You've been cleared for the ILS, and you break out of the clouds around 500 feet. As you begin your flare, traffic crosses the runway ahead of you. You initiate a go-around, but you're beyond the missed approach point (MAP).

  • • Article
  • Boldmethod
  • 06/15/2026

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  How To Calculate Your VDP When An Instrument Approach Doesn't Have One

  This easy calculation will help you make a safe descent from MDA to landing.

  • • Article
  • Boldmethod
  • 06/06/2026
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  Landing In Turbulence: How To Make Smooth Touchdown

  Turbulence is a reality of flying. Here's how to fly the best approach possible through rough air.

  • • Article
  • Boldmethod
  • 06/04/2026
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  Can You Depart IFR From An Airport With No SID And No ODP?

  When can you start your on-course turn, and why? Here's how it works.

  • • Article
  • Boldmethod
  • 05/30/2026
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  Do Takeoff Minimums Apply to Part 91 Pilots?

  In partnership with Garmin

  You've checked the weather, filed a flight plan, and you're ready to go. The visibility is 3/4 SM from the morning fog. Can you legally depart?

  • • Article
  • Nicolas Shelton
  • 05/17/2026
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  3 Rules-Of-Thumb For Summer Flying

  Here are 3 great rules-of-thumb to use on the hot days ahead of you.

  • • Article
  • Colin Cutler
  • 05/14/2026
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  How To Adjust Minimums For Inoperative Approach Lights

  In partnership with Garmin

  As you brief the approach, your EFB alerts you to a NOTAM: the BZN Runway 30 Approach Light System is out of service.

  • • Article
  • Nicolas Shelton
  • 05/09/2026