Absolutely! Not only will Pilot Approach help you stay sharp and maintain proficiency, but it will also help you with any future training. If you ever plan on getting your CFI-I or ATP, Pilot Approach will help you in the long run. Even if you don't plan on any more training, Pilot Approach will help make you a safer and more proficient instrument pilot. It will also greatly assist with instrument proficiency checks if you haven't flown IFR in awhile.

Yes. However, many of the more advanced features may be very challenging to learn. You would likely need to watch all the videos in our tutorial section and use the basics modes on the simulator for awhile. Our simulator is not designed for anything less than instrument training, but it may still assist with other types of training.

Yes. You may get a full refund within 7 days of signing up if you don't like our service.

Not for the written. Pilot Approach is heavily focused on student success for flight training and knowledge needed for instrument flight. We recommend going through a video series to learn the initial instrument knowledge to complete the written test. Pilot Approach will help you save time and money on flight training expenses by helping you understand how to fly approaches instead so you won't need to pay for as much flight training. Pilot Approach is soon adding a unique quiz section and arcade scenario section to help with written and checkride prep as well.

Pilot Approach should work on any smart device or computer and any modern browser. The simulator may sometimes lag on IOS devices like iPhone or iPad since they limit some network activity. Pilot Approach is best used on computers or laptops.

To maximize your success, we recommend you start use Pilot Approach at the beginning of your instrument training. As you complete the approaches, save each report so you can discuss it with your instructor. This will help your instructor see your struggle areas and clear up any areas of confusion. Once you are nearing your checkride, you should be able to complete any of the approaches on our system on "Testing" mode without any major mistakes and very few minor mistakes. If you are unable to do so, you are likely not ready for real-world IFR and need to continue to practice. After your checkride or proficiency check, we strongly recommend using Pilot Approach on a regular basis to maintain your proficiency. It is very easy to lose what you have learned, and practicing approaches online will help keep your mind sharp. Fly safe!

We do not plan on adding RNAV approaches at this time. Pilot Approach is flown using the autopilot. The goal is to teach you how to interpret approach plates and think ahead like an instrument pilot. RNAV approaches with an autopilot would just be flown all the way through automatically. It defeats the entire point of learning how to fly an approach. Since there is little point to adding RNAV approaches for this simulator, we do not plan on adding them. However, this may change.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) mode is a simulator mode where the computer flies for you. This is so you can see how it is done.

Beginner Mode is AI Mode with questions. You still won't be directly controlling the simulator. This time the game will ask you questions throughout each approach so you can practice thinking like an instrument pilot. This is a great place to start!

Training Mode is the easiest mode where you get to control the simulator. In this mode, the game will tell you what to do next 3 miles before each procedure. It will also tell you when you make a mistake, what you did, and give you training materials to fix your mistake in the future.

Practice mode is where you can start putting your skills to the test. You get to fly the simulator still. This time, you won't get instructions on what to do next. Also, each mistake will be written in the ATC output box, but an explanation will not be given.

Testing mode is the hardest mode. There is no assistance or explanation for mistakes.

Preferably, no. If you are still learning, set up the GPS to be shown on the approach plate. However, to see if you really understand how to read the instruments and follow the approach, turn GPS mode off.

The spacing between fixes on the vertical profile are not typically drawn to scale. This may make you seem too high or too low when looking at the vertical profile with GPS on. This feature is available to see how you planned your descent. Do not try to fly approaches by referencing the GPS shown on the approach plate.