Eckalbar's personal SOP's extend training concepts developed to maximize precision among professional pilots to the GA cockpit. They're comprised of four key elements:

• Finding standardized power settings, pitch altitudes and configurations of gear and flap positions for every phase of flight and making a habit of using them.
• Reorganizing checklists and flows using them in a regimented way.
• Developing a series of "callouts" for the critical moments in flight.
• Starting to brief yourself prior to all departures and arrivals.

Hammering away at the knowledge gaps that plague pilots, the GPS emphasis identifies the powerful and potential liabilities of GPS and details subtle GPS unit capabilities typically overlooked in other texts. Subtle regulatory issues and newly formatted GPS-friendly approach plates are reviewed in depth.

Concepts are presented in the context of a training flight, elaborated with extensive instrument panel illustrations.

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Read the introduction

Review:
From AOPA Pilot article, November, 2003, p. 168:

For the instrument pilot seeking to upgrade his or her skill, John C. Eckalbar's IFR: A Structured Approach provides compelling insights...If one book could help you make the leap from a bit player to a skilled conductor of instrument flight, this is probably it.

About the Author
John C. Eckalbar is an airline transport pilot and instrument flight instructor for single and multiengine airplanes. He has been a pilot for ExecutiveJet and has flown in the Federal Express feeder system. He has been an active FAR Part 135 charter pilot with air taxi and cargo experience in a wide range of general aviation airplanes, from Skylanes, 210s, and Bonanzas to Barons, 400 series Cessnas, Caravans, King Airs, and Citations.

He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado and is a Professor in the California State University system. He has published many articles on mathematics for economists and been the principal investigator on a National Science Foundation research project on dynamics and stability.

Hardcover
242 pages, Illustrated

Publisher
Sky Road Projects (2003)