Outline:

Introduction

ForeFlight has become a core teaching tool in modern instrument training. When used correctly, it improves visualization, efficiency, and student understanding. When used poorly, it can lead to overreliance and shallow learning.

This session focuses on how CFIs can teach IFR flight planning concepts using ForeFlight as a support tool, not a shortcut. We cover subscription features, chart selection, weather instruction, routing, holding, altitude planning, and simulator integration. The goal is to help instructors create organized, professional IFR lessons. These lessons will connect to real-world flying and help with checkride success.

1. Getting ForeFlight Ready for IFR Training (CFII ForeFlight Training)

   Summary:

   Before teaching IFR with ForeFlight, both the instructor and the student must have the app configured correctly and consistently. An incomplete setup leads to missing tools, incorrect assumptions, and confusion during lessons. IFR training relies on accuracy, and ForeFlight can only provide useful outputs when the underlying data is correct. Establishing proper configuration early allows CFIs to focus on teaching concepts instead of troubleshooting software during training.

   • Ensure the correct subscription level is active. You need a premium subscription for Profile View, 3D View, and advanced weather layers. (Pages 3–4)

   • Download all charts, procedures, and weather data in advance.

   • Verify a stable internet connection for briefings and syncing.

   • Build an accurate aircraft profile under More → Profiles.

   • Input complete performance data for realistic planning outputs.

   IFR instruction depends on accuracy and consistency from the start.

   
   

2. Understanding ForeFlight’s Limitations

   Summary:

   ForeFlight is a powerful planning and visualization aid, but it does not replace instructor judgment or instrument decision-making. CFIs must actively teach students where ForeFlight’s role ends and pilot responsibility begins. This distinction is critical for developing sound aeronautical decision-making and preventing automation dependency, especially in high-workload IFR environments.

   • ForeFlight does not select the best route automatically. (Page 5)

   • It does not apply risk management on behalf of the pilot.

   • It does not adjust for personal or student minimums.

   • The instructor explains why people make decisions.

   • This mindset prevents automation dependency in IFR students.

   Teaching limitations is as important as teaching features.

   
   

3. Premium ifr flight planning ForeFlight Subscription Features for IFR Instruction

   Summary:

   The Premium subscription unlocks advanced tools that significantly enhance IFR training by turning abstract concepts into visual, interactive lessons. These features help instructors show weather systems, altitude planning, and spatial relationships. This is hard to do with just static charts. When used intentionally, they improve comprehension and reduce cognitive overload.

   • Clouds, icing, turbulence, and wind layers in Profile View. (Page 8)

   • Surface analysis charts for synoptic weather understanding.

   • Animated winds and temperatures at altitude.

   • Expanded performance modeling.

   • 3D View and 3D Flights for spatial awareness. (Page 9)

   These tools allow CFIs to teach weather and planning visually instead of abstractly.

   
   

4. Why IFR Students Should Learn Jeppesen Charts

   Summary:

   Jeppesen charts provide consistency, clarity, and a professional standard that benefits long-term IFR pilots. Teaching Jeppesen early helps students transition smoothly into advanced training and professional environments. The standardized layout reduces interpretation errors and allows students to focus on procedure execution rather than chart decoding.

   • Most professional pilots will use Jeppesen charts IFR in their careers. (Page 10)

   • Charts are standardized worldwide, reducing interpretation errors.

   • Jeppesen layouts declutter complex FAA procedures. (Pages 11–12)

   • Airport charts clearly show alternate airport requirements.

   • SIDs and STARs are to scale and geo-referenced. (Page 13)

   CFIs can—and should—teach Jeppesen chart interpretation as a professional skill.

   
   

   

5. Teaching IFR Weather Using ForeFlight

   Summary:

   ForeFlight allows instructors to teach IFR weather using real-world data instead of static textbook examples. This approach helps students understand how weather systems evolve and how they impact real flight decisions. Teaching weather in context improves retention and prepares students for real IFR operations rather than rote memorization.

   • Conduct full weather briefings within ForeFlight. (Page 14)

   • Use radar imagery to explain lowest tilt versus composite returns.

   • Teach infrared and visible satellite imagery. (Page 15)

   • Explain surface analysis charts, fronts, and pressure systems.

   • Show how jet streams influence wind and system movement. (Page 16)

   This approach helps students connect theory to real-world weather behavior.

   
   

6. Teaching Route Planning and Route Advisor

   Summary:

   ForeFlight’s Route Advisor allows CFIs to teach realistic IFR routing based on actual ATC clearances. This helps students grasp how the system assigns IFR routes instead of assuming direct GPS routing. Comparing routes builds insight into airspace structure, traffic flow, and controller expectations.

   • Use Route Advisor in the Flight Plan tab. (Page 19)

   • Routes are based on recent ATC clearances.

   • Route Advisor is IFR-only and does not apply to VFR flights.

   • Selecting a route auto-loads it into the flight plan.

   • CFIs can compare multiple routes and discuss why ATC assigns them.

   This builds realism and prepares students for real IFR operations.

   
   

7. Teaching Multiple Tops of Climb

   Summary:

   ForeFlight allows CFIs to teach altitude planning as a dynamic process rather than a single decision. Students learn how altitude choices change because of terrain, icing, winds, and airspace. Visualizing these changes helps reinforce why IFR planning often requires adjustments throughout a flight.

   • The left-side altitude must be the lowest altitude for the route. (Page 20)

   • Altitude changes can be set at any fix.

   • Use Edit Flight Plan → Set altitude/speed/time.

   • Profile View allows altitude changes directly on the vertical profile. (Page 21)

   • This is ideal for terrain, icing, and wind avoidance discussions.

   Students learn that IFR altitude planning is dynamic, not fixed.

   
   

8. Teaching Holding Procedures

   Summary:

   ForeFlight simplifies holding instruction by providing clear visual depictions while reinforcing core IFR concepts. This allows students to see the holding pattern geometry and entry logic, reducing confusion. CFIs can use this as a teaching aid while still emphasizing manual calculations and mental models.

   • You can create holding at any fix. (Page 22)

   • Select the fix and choose HOLD.

   • Input inbound course, leg length or time, and turn direction.

   • Visual depictions reinforce entry and holding logic.

   • CFIs should still teach manual holding calculations alongside automation.

   ForeFlight enhances holding instruction without replacing fundamentals.

   
   

9. 3D Flights, Visualization, and Airport Familiarity

   Summary:

   Visualization tools improve spatial awareness and reduce workload during IFR operations. Previewing terrain, procedures, and airport environments helps students build mental models before flying in IMC. This reduces surprises and increases confidence during real approaches and departures.

   • Use 3D Flight to fly the route at 20x speed. (Page 23)

   • Preview terrain and procedure transitions.

   • 3D View shows airport environments and surrounding obstacles. (Page 24)

   • Use solar data to teach night and twilight planning. (Page 25)

   • Review AI airport comments for operational insights. (Pages 26–27)

   These tools support safer arrivals and departures in IMC.

   
   

10. Simulators, Synthetic Vision, and Sentry

    Summary:

    ForeFlight works well with simulators and ADS-B tools. This allows for realistic IFR training in the air and on the ground. This expands training opportunities while reinforcing procedures, flows, and decision-making without added flight risk.

    • Many simulators broadcast GPS-out signals. (Page 28)

    • ForeFlight can connect and function as if in the aircraft.

    • PilotEdge adds realism to IFR communications training.

    • Sentry provides GPS, ADS-B In, and AHRS. (Page 29)

    • Always carry backup power for EFB devices.

    This setup allows effective IFR training on the ground and in the air.