Microsoft Flight Simulator Handbook

by Jonathan M. Stern

The IFR Aircraft

The IFR aircraft has its own set of requirements in addition to minimum equipment requirements, which the Flight Simulator Cessna 182RG meets. First, it must have sufficient fuel to complete the planned trip, fly to an alternate airport (if required), and then fly an additional 45 minutes at normal cruise speed.

The alternate airport is not required if the airport of intended landing has a published instrument approach procedure and, for at least one hour before to one hour after the estimated time of arrival at the destination, the weather, according to the reports and forecasts, will be a ceiling of 2,000 feet or higher and three miles or greater visibility.

The airplane must have had an altimeter and transponder test and inspection within the preceding 24 months. The airplane needs to be inspected annually to be airworthy. If the airplane is used to carry passengers for hire or to give flight instruction for hire, it must also pass a 100-hour inspection.

The navigation receivers must be tested (which can be done by the pilot) within the preceding 30 days. One way to conduct the requisite test is to tune the NAV 1 and NAV 2 to the same VOR and compare the OBIs with the CDI needles centered. As long as the two units' OBIs are within four degrees of one another, they may be used for IFR flight.

Finally, the airplane must contain an airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, radio station license, operating limitations (in the form of placards and/or a manual), and weight and balance data. These requirements can easily be remembered by the acronym ARROW.

Prior to undertaking flight, the aircraft interior and exterior should be thoroughly inspected by the pilot.

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