Billy couples up at their cruising altitude of 8,000' and he and Doug start looking ahead to their arrival at KAVP. The ATIS frequency at Wilkes-Barre (111.6) has stumped Billy but Doug coaches him through it. They load their preferred approach (ILS Rwy 4) and begin their briefing. Then they set their frequencies.

Doug shares his tactical use of the VSR function (vertical speed required) function on the GNS 430W as well as the all important heading bug. This is a great tool for managing descents and he walks Billy through the set up in great detail.

They rehearse for communicating with the final approach controller and how to request their desired approach.

View from the pilot in training. What I learned...

"There is always something to do during an IFR flight. Where are we, what's next and what do we need to do to prepare for this event. The VSR (vertical speed required) is one of the most valuable features of the GNS 430W. This field display allows a pilot to know when to begin their descent and if necessary alert ATC to the need for a lower altitude."

BW