What a Flight Lesson at Thrust Flight Looks Like | GoPro Flight Footage

The video starts by outlining the day's flight lesson, covering ILS and localizer approaches and VOR DME approaches at North Texas. The plan includes practicing a procedure turn on the ILS 1A left approach and using the VOR alpha approach for circling. The instructor also introduces GPS holds, explaining how ATC might issue them, how to set them up in the Garmin G1000, and the importance of an Expect Further Clearance (EFC) time. The discussion covers the elements of a holding instruction: direction, fixed point, radial/course, turn direction, altitude, and EFC time.

The pilot then moves on to setting up the ILS 18 left approach into North Texas. This involves entering the approach into the MFD, noting the initial approach fix (DNI), and understanding the procedure turn for course reversal. The briefing process (Build, Brief, Checklist, ATIS) is emphasized. The pilot reviews the ILS plate, checking frequencies, final approach course, runway elevation, and specific notes regarding minimums and alternate airport restrictions. Detailed discussion on 91.175 regulations for descending below minimums, including visual references required beyond the Decision Altitude (DA) or Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), is covered. The difference between ILS (DA) and Localizer/Circling (MDA) minimums is highlighted.

The flight progresses with communication to North Texas traffic, announcing intentions for the ILS approach. The importance of switching the CDI from GPS (purple) to localizer (green) for ground-based ILS approaches is stressed. The instructor introduces the 5 C's for a missed approach (Cram, Click, Climb, Clean, Call) and emphasizes not moving to the next step until the previous one is completed. The missed approach procedure for ILS 18 left is reviewed: climb to 2000 feet on runway heading, then a climbing left turn to 2800 feet direct to DNI and hold. The pilot experiences a simulated missed approach due to not being visual at minimums, demonstrating the proper execution of the missed approach sequence.

Following the missed approach, ATC instructs for a lap in the hold at DNI and then the localizer 18 left approach. The pilot prepares for the hold, setting up the localizer approach in the G1000, updating minimums for a localizer approach (which has higher minimums than an ILS). The concept of crosswind correction in holds (3:1 rule) is explained. The pilot enters the localizer hold, demonstrating parallel entry. After completing the hold, ATC clears for the localizer 18 left approach, and the pilot initiates the descent, focusing on maintaining a steady descent rate without relying on an advisory glide slope (as it's a localizer approach).

After another simulated missed approach, the flight transitions to setting up the VOR Alpha approach. The process involves selecting the VOR Alpha approach, choosing vectors, setting minimums (circling only in this case), and activating the approach. The winds favor runway 18 for landing. The VOR Alpha approach is an offset approach, which necessitates circling to land. The instructor emphasizes observing standard traffic patterns in VFR conditions. The pilot is cleared for the VOR Alpha approach and begins descent, maintaining 500-700 feet per minute. The video concludes with the pilot executing the circling maneuver to land on runway 18 left, performing a touch-and-go with departure to the south.