This video shows an IFR flight demonstration from KATW to KCMI. It captures the IFR clearance, taxi, departure, and ATC instructions during climb. The flight includes cloud base and top reports, route changes, and an instrument approach to landing.
IFR Clearance and Taxi Out
The flight begins with an IFR clearance to KCMI. The clearance includes an initial altitude of 3,000 feet and an expected altitude of 8,000 feet after departure. ATC also provides the departure frequency and a squawk code. Taxi instructions follow with a runway assignment and a routing to the departure end. The run-up is already complete, and the departure frequency is queued before takeoff.
Takeoff and Departure Contact
Tower clears the aircraft for takeoff with runway heading instructions. The aircraft departs runway 30 and begins climbing toward 3,000 feet. Departure control contact occurs shortly after takeoff. Departure issues a left turn to heading 130 and clears the climb to 8,000 feet. This heading places the aircraft well off course while the climb continues.
Cloud Bases, Tops, and IFR Conditions
The flight encounters clouds shortly after departure. Cloud bases are reported at 3,000 feet. Cloud tops reported near 7,500 feet. The aircraft climbs on top with patchy layers below. These reports are shared with ATC. The video shows the transition from IFR conditions into clear air above the cloud layer.
Vectors and Reroutes Around Airspace
ATC assigns unusual vectors before issuing direct routing. The aircraft receives direct Champagne, then later receives routing that includes direct Rockford and then Champagne. A discussion follows about reroutes around Chicago airspace. The route changes increase time en route, reinforcing the value of carrying extra fuel during IFR operations.
Approach Setup and Localizer Capture
The video later transitions into the instrument approach segment. ATC clears the aircraft for the RNAV approach and assigns an altitude. The aircraft captures the course and configures for descent. ATC issues tower frequency, and the approach continues with stable airspeed and configuration changes. The glideslope is armed and the aircraft descends toward breakout altitude.
Breakout, Landing, and Taxi
The flight breaks out near the approach minimums. Bases are around 2,300 feet during the descent. The aircraft continues to landing and touches down with crosswind corrections noted during rollout. After landing, ATC issues taxi instructions to the ramp. The flight concludes with plans to refuel and continue the next leg.
Official IFR Reference
This IFR flight demonstration includes clear examples of clearances, vectors, and approach procedures. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) resources provide official guidance on IFR operations and instrument procedures. FAA information on instrument flying and safety guidance is available on their website.
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