Zipay Flight Training

Instrument Pilot Quiz:
"What's a diverse departure?"
If you drew a blank... you're not alone.

This critical safety concept is often glossed over in instrument training—but it could mean the difference between a safe departure and a dangerous situation.

I published a breakdown that explains:

✅ When diverse departures apply (and when they don't)
✅ How the FAA determines if an airport needs a DP
✅ The 3 critical criteria for flying a diverse departure
✅ Real-world examples

📝 PLUS: Test your knowledge with the quiz at the end!
👉 Read the full article and take the quiz here: https://zipayft.com/2025/12/19/diverse-departures/

Didn't ace the quiz? No problem! I'd like to help with a FREE 20-minute 1-on-1 lesson to discuss your specific questions about instrument procedures.

Your safety in IMC starts with solid ground knowledge. Let's build it together.
🎯 Book your free consultation: https://zipayft.com/free-flight-training-consultation/

Diverse Departures Departure Procedures (DPs) can often be overlooked in instrument training which does a great disservice to the student. You’d likely be surprised how many blank looks you might get by simply …

🎯 INSTRUMENT PILOT CHALLENGE - GPS Scenario:

The IFR flight plan that you have filed has you navigating east on a victor airway with an aircraft that has dual VORs and a non-WAAS GPS. You check NOTAMs along the route and find the VOR you were planning to use is out of service. Are you allowed to substitute your GPS as a means of navigation during this leg?

Drop your answer below! ⬇️

Then check the full article where I break down the use case scenarios that can confuse even experienced IFR pilots:
👉 https://zipayft.com/2026/01/07/using-gps-as-an-alternate-substitute-means-of-navigation/

Includes a scenario based quiz to test your understanding of RAIM, WAAS, and when you can (and can't) use GPS in place of VOR/DME/NDB, etc.

Using GPS as an Alternate or Substitute Means of Navigation The popular GNS 430 – Garmin Global Positioning System (GPS) is a technology that has changed many industries, and aviation is no exception. When instrument procedures were first developed, G…

Slow flight isn't just another maneuver to check off for the checkride—it's a building block for confident landings.

Think about it: landings puts you in slow flight just feet above the runway. Mushy controls. Stall warning horn. Left turning tendencies from full power on a go-around. All the same stuff you practice in slow flight, except now you're right off the ground with zero room for error.

Helping student pilots understand the "why" behind slow flight helps them develop the hands-on skills he/she needs for smoother, more consistent landings.

In the article, I break down:
✅The aerodynamics that explain why everything feels different in slow flight
✅Why those "mushy" controls are actually teaching you critical skills
✅Practical techniques you can apply in your next training flight

If you're depending on pattern work and not seeing the improvement you want, this might be a perspective shift that helps.

Read the full article here: https://zipayft.com/2026/01/05/slow-flight/

And if you're looking for personalized instruction to work through these concepts—whether online or in-person—let's talk. I offer free consultations to see if we're a good fit.
Drop a comment below if slow flight or landings have been challenging for you. I'd love to hear what you're working on.

✈️ Steven Zipay | CFI/CFII