Navigraph has announced the launch of IFR Approaches, the third course in its Navigraph Academy learning platform. The course is aimed at simmers who want to fly instrument approaches in poor visibility, including at airports that have no conventional Instrument Landing System (ILS).
Navigraph is best known for its charts, navigation data and flight planning tools for the flight simulation community. The Academy extends that offering into training. The new course builds on the earlier Instrument Flying course, although users are not required to take the courses in order. According to Navigraph, they can move between lessons and courses depending on their experience, or go straight into IFR Approaches.
The course has three video lessons with 3D graphics and visualisations. Each one covers a different type of approach, and together they move from traditional radio navigation to satellite-based procedures. The first lesson covers a full published VOR approach, including managing the descent without vertical guidance. The second covers an RNAV (GNSS [GPS]) LNAV approach, which uses lateral guidance only. The third covers an RNAV LPV approach, which adds vertical guidance and gives a descent similar to that of an ILS.
Navigraph says the lessons also explain why each approach type is used, rather than only demonstrating how to fly it. Skills covered include reading approach charts, configuring the navigation system, following instrument guidance and managing the descent. All lessons use the Cessna 172 with G1000 avionics, so the aircraft stays the same throughout the course.
The video lessons can be watched by users of any simulator. Dedicated in-sim missions with post-flight analytics are available for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, and these missions count toward a Navigraph Academy qualification.
According to Navigraph, the IFR Approaches course is free of charge. It can be accessed on the Navigraph Academy course page.
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