Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Ever loaded an instrument approach correctly… only to have the GPS suddenly try to turn the airplane somewhere you absolutely DIDN’T expect?
This is one of the most common IFR automation mistakes pilots make:
activating the approach at the wrong time.
In this video, we’ll walk through a real IFR scenario where activating the approach causes the GPS to sequence back toward the original transition point — creating a completely unexpected turn right in the middle of the approach setup phase.
You’ll learn:
when you should activate an IFR approach
when you should NOT
how GPS approach sequencing actually works
why the autopilot is usually doing EXACTLY what it was told to do
how feeder routes and transition points affect sequencing
why overlapping enroute and approach fixes can create problems
how to safely recover when the airplane starts turning unexpectedly
and the simple habit that prevents automation surprises before they happen
In this example:
we’re flying to KGON (Groton)
cleared for the ILS Runway 4
with the approach loaded but not activated
until one button press changes everything.
Modern GPS navigators are incredibly capable — but if you don’t fully understand what the unit thinks should happen next, the airplane can surprise you very quickly.
Check out full IFR training, instrument approach lessons, autopilot and GPS tutorials, and the complete FlightInsight IFR Ground School below.
flight-insight.com/ifr
Ever loaded an instrument approach correctly… only to have the GPS suddenly try to turn the airplane somewhere you absolutely DIDN’T expect?
This is one of the most common IFR automation mistakes pilots make:
activating the approach at the wrong time.
In this video, we’ll walk through a real IFR scenario where activating the approach causes the GPS to sequence back toward the original transition point — creating a completely unexpected turn right in the middle of the approach setup phase.
You’ll learn:
when you should activate an IFR approach
when you should NOT
how GPS approach sequencing actually works
why the autopilot is usually doing EXACTLY what it was told to do
how feeder routes and transition points affect sequencing
why overlapping enroute and approach fixes can create problems
how to safely recover when the airplane starts turning unexpectedly
and the simple habit that prevents automation surprises before they happen
In this example:
we’re flying to KGON (Groton)
cleared for the ILS Runway 4
with the approach loaded but not activated
until one button press changes everything.
Modern GPS navigators are incredibly capable — but if you don’t fully understand what the unit thinks should happen next, the airplane can surprise you very quickly.
Check out full IFR training, instrument approach lessons, autopilot and GPS tutorials, and the complete FlightInsight IFR Ground School below.
flight-insight.com/ifr
