Plain English Meaning

Set practice routines flown using only the cockpit instruments. They help a pilot stay sharp at flying turns, climbs, descents, and headings without looking outside.

Full Definition

Standardized practice maneuvers flown solely by reference to the flight instruments, designed to develop and maintain a pilot's instrument flying proficiency. They include patterns such as the racetrack, standard procedure turn, 80/260 procedure turn, teardrop pattern, climbing and descending turns, and holding pattern entries, each combining straight legs, , climbs, descents, and changes performed without .