Preflight Briefing Preview
Hit play for your first cockpit call-up. This isn’t a trailer—it’s your initial brief on frequency.
The Scan – Audio Course for EASA Basic Instrument Rating (BIR)
The ScanV1
Stay Calm And Navigate
EASA BIR: Instrument Flight, From Concept to Cockpit
"From scan to situational savvy—this is your mental checklist for clarity in the clag."
Flight Deck Briefing – Your Preflight Audio Companion
The Scan isn’t ground school—it’s your preflight briefer, ready on headset. On the apron, mid-brief, or climbing through the murk, this is BIR theory without the runway-length lectures. Just solid cockpit smarts—tuned to your tempo, trimmed for action.
Headset-First, Always
The Scan is tuned for when you're already thinking like a pilot—on the move, on frequency, and prepped to brief. No screen taps, no classroom chairs. Just listen, absorb, and fly smarter.
Briefings, Not Lectures
Every module is trimmed like a preflight call-up—targeted, paced, and built for brainspace. The Scan doesn't teach; it briefs. Just the right amount, right when you need it.
Built for Pilot Ops
From coffee to climb-out, this is theory made flyable. IFR topics tuned to your cockpit reality, matched to the way pilots actually prep, think, and stay sharp.
Mental Avgas, Not Noise
This isn’t background noise—it’s cockpit-grade brain fuel. Built to boost recall, reduce overload, and stick when it counts. IFR-ready mental avgas.
Select Your Frequency – Targeted Briefings, Tuned to You
Each chapter’s a fresh frequency. Dial in where your flight path needs it—no syllabus, no fluff, just pilot-grade briefings on demand.
Clearance to Climb – Your BIR Map Briefed
From license intent to checkride success—your whole BIR map in one clear call-up.
- Entry requirements, modules, and checkride insights—decoded.
- Understand how ground, sim, and air training tie together.
- Navigate EASA’s modular IFR like a mission planner.
Weather Ops – Read the Sky, Fly the Plan
Weather wisdom for IFR—what matters, what’s safe, what’s a no-go.
- Pressure, fronts, and fog—decoded for cockpit calls.
- BIR minima through practical lens, not just theory.
- Tactics for wind and icing: avoid, adapt, survive.
The Human Checklist – Flying You, Not Just the Plane
Eyes on instruments, mind in the moment—sharpen the real pilot behind the panel.
- How physiology and stress impact IFR brains.
- Traps, fatigue, and cockpit psychology—exposed.
- Workload and solo ops: staying ahead, not behind.
Radio Discipline – Sound Like You Belong
What airspace, ATC, and phraseology really sound like from left seat.
- Controlled airspace decoded—logic, labels, and live ops.
- Phraseology that flows, not flounders.
- Lost comms confidence with real-plan backups.
NAV Know-How – Needles, Glass & Backup Smarts
Raw data, modern glass, old school backups—fly the system, not just the screen.
- From needles to GPS—trust but verify.
- Failures aren’t fiction—prep for partials.
- IFR routes and procedures from setup to execute.
Real Ops – IFR That Holds Up In-Flight
Rules and routines that actually keep you safe—not just compliant.
- Part-NCO ops and day-to-day IFR habits.
- Edge case drills and “what if” scenarios.
- Building cockpit flow and IFR resilience.
Beyond the Brief – Lessons From the Left Seat
Stories, scars, and stuff that saves the day—insider tips from hours flown, not read.
- Avoid common gotchas and instructor myths.
- Learn from missteps—yours and theirs.
- Fly sharper with small moves that matter.
Final Scan – One Last Brief Before Rotation
All modules, one last scan—tune up your mindset before rotation.
- Condensed takeaways from every briefing.
- Test prep with pilot logic—not parroting.
- Confidence check before skill test call-up.
Still Tuned In? Let’s Brief Together
Still tuned in? Got feedback, tip, or turbulence to share? You're part of the crew now.
- Request future briefings or refine what’s here.
- Share cockpit-tested tactics or ask anything.
- Let’s make The Scan sharper—together.
Master Briefing – Full Flight Plan, Cleared for Departure
The full flight plan—cleared, briefed, and ready for headset ops. No scrolls, just throttle forward and fly the brief.
The Complete Flight Manual
Every BIR chapter, tuned and trimmed. All call-ups, no clutter—briefed like real ops.
- From cockpit logic to checkride theory—spoken, not scrolled
- Offline-ready for apron prep, road briefs, or night-before drills
- Built for pilot life, not classroom clocks or flight sim scripts
Final Briefing – Eyes on the Exam Horizon
You’ve flown the patterns—now file that last leg. These are your final vectors for the BIR check: what’s live on frequency, where the traps are, and how to brief like a boss. One more scan, then rotate.
Module 1 – Law & ATC
The rules, the radios, the runway stuff. What you can do—and what’ll get you told to hold short.
- Short, simple: Laws, ATC basics, and what’s allowed.
- Radio calls and clearances, minus the jargon.
- Stay legal, stay chill, pass the test.
Module 2 – Weather & You
Clouds, codes, and keeping your head cool. This one’s about what’s outside—and inside—the cockpit.
- Weather basics, met codes, and what trips pilots up.
- Human stuff: stress, illusions, and staying sharp.
- Keep it safe, keep it simple, pass with confidence.
Module 3 – Nav & Flight Plan
Charts, routes, and talking to towers. This is your flight plan from map to mic.
- Navigation, charts, and GPS, minus the waffle.
- Comms, lost comms, and ATC talk you’ll actually use.
- How to plan, file, and brief like a real pilot.
Laser Talks – One Topic, One Brief, Cleared Direct
These aren’t rambling briefings—they’re laser talks. Single-topic IFR insights, trimmed for your brainspace and tuned for the headset. On climb-out or coffee break, you're cleared direct.
iTunes Briefing Beacon
Rapid-fire briefs, cockpit-grade and ready on demand. Just one sharp topic per episode—because airtime matters.
Spotify Vector Calls
Each talk hits one target—fast, focused, flyable. Just the mental checklist you need before rotation.
YouTube Visual Briefs
Same IFR grit, now with rewind and runway lights. Hit pause, caption the clag, or playback at 1.25x. Briefings for eyes and ears.
Flight Instructors – Virtual Briefers with Real Cockpit Spirit
Virtual briefers with real pilot DNA. Tuned for headset ops, trimmed for clarity, always ready for your scan.
Jirka
Alice
🛑 Not EASA-Certified. Still Briefed.
This isn’t a formal course. No DTO number, no sign-offs, no EASA badge.
The Scan is your headset-side briefer—not your examiner. It’s built to sharpen your scan, not stamp a license.
Always cross-check with certified sources and real-world flying. We’re here to brief, not certify.
Uncharted but Briefed – Custom Ops for Custom Pilots
Some missions fly off the chart. Whether you're strip-hopping, briefing old charts in your hangar, or prepping your club's quirkiest routes—The Scan adapts. Same sharp signal, tuned to your local airspace. Custom briefings, global brains.
Post-Flight Debrief – Your Questions, Logged and Cleared
Is this just for student pilots?
Nope! Whether you’re fresh from training or just getting back in the saddle, if you want sharper IFR skills, you’re tuned to the right frequency. All GA pilots welcome.
Why audio-first?
Because pilots learn best by listening—on the drive, on the apron, or with coffee in hand. The Scan rides along, no screens needed. Just headset, play, and go.
Can I rely on this alone to pass BIR?
Don’t park your other tools. The Scan is your audio copilot—not a magic pass. Pair it with real flying, your local rules, and some test prep. We’ll keep you current, but you’ll need the rest to pass.
What aircraft type is it tailored for?
Light GA only—Cessnas, Pipers, Diamonds. No jets, no airline SOPs. Just real-world IFR for real pilots.
How often do you update it?
We’re always on frequency, listening and updating. New modules, fresh tips, and course corrections drop as flying and rules change. Stay tuned!
How do I report a bug or suggest a topic?
Scroll down and ping Ground Control. Got a correction, story, or tip? Drop us a line—let’s make this even sharper.
What’s The Scan really about?
It’s your bridge from PPL basics to real-world IFR. No airline checklists—just sharper skies, smarter decisions, and flying you’ll actually use. We’ll walk you through the essentials, audio style.
How was The Scan created?
Pilot meets AI. Real flying experience meets smart tech. Every briefing was rewritten, flight-tested, and trimmed till it worked in the cockpit. No fluff—just what you’ll want to hear before you fly.
Who’s this for?
If you’ve got a PPL and want to fly IFR for real—not just for a license—this is your frequency. Instructors and rusty pilots? Grab a headset and join in.
What gap does it fill?
Tired of piecing together PDFs or getting lost in theory? The Scan is your shortcut. One audio briefing, one plan, all BIR. No bouncing between resources—just tune in and go.
What makes it different?
We’re not a textbook—we’re an audio copilot. Real cockpit questions, what-ifs, and straight talk. Less story, more navigation. You’ll hear what matters, not just what fills a page.
Why focus on the BIR?
BIR is the future for private IFR in Europe—modular, practical, and built for everyday pilots. Most guides don’t speak BIR. We do. Ready for your mission?
Who’s behind The Scan?
Engineer by day, pilot by passion. PPL(A), VFR Night, ICAO English—all in the logbook. This wasn’t written for publishers—it’s for pilots who want the “aha” moments, fast and headset-ready.
What is the BIR and who is it for?
BIR is your shortcut to IFR in Europe. It’s built for private pilots who want to fly in IMC—no airline ambitions, just real GA missions. Modular, flexible, and focused on what you’ll actually do in the cockpit.
How is the BIR different from a full IR?
No more “hours in the seat” grind. With BIR, you train by module, prove skills in your own cockpit, and skip the airline-level theory. It’s EASA-only, with higher minima and a few extra weather rules—but perfect for most GA pilots.
What privileges and limits come with a BIR?
You’re cleared for IFR in single-pilot, non-high-performance piston aircraft across EASA land. Add 200 ft to approach minima, 1500m visibility. Night IFR? Only if you’ve got the rating. It’s practical freedom—just know your limits.
Why is meteo such a big deal for BIR pilots?
BIR gets you in the clouds, but with lighter theory than IR. Your weather sense has to be sharp—light GA, no de-ice, tight minima. No guessing. Know your clouds, stay ahead of trouble.
How do pressure and air mass mess with your altimeter?
Your altimeter’s only as good as your last QNH. Low QNH? You’re lower than you think. Inversions? Less climb, less vis. High pressure feels easy, low gets wild. Always reset, double-check, and don’t let old settings bite you.
What’s the deal with stability?
Stable air? Smooth but murky—think fog, low vis, sneaky traps. Unstable? Bumps, vertical builds, storms. Lapse rates aren’t just theory—they tell you what’s brewing. Know your air, sound sharp on frequency.
Fog: one word, many traps?
Fog isn’t just fog. Advection hangs around, radiation clears with the sun. Orographic, steam, frontal—they all act different. Spot the type, plan alternates, and don’t get stuck waiting for the runway to reappear.
Clouds—what should BIR pilots fear most?
Cumulonimbus is public enemy number one—turbulence, icing, wind shear, lightning, hail. Even plain Nimbostratus can ground you. 600 feet isn’t much if you’re not FIKI. Know your clouds or meet them the hard way.
How does wind catch BIR pilots off guard?
Wind shear, mountain waves, rotors—none care about your plan. Light aircraft get tossed. Watch for gusts, friction layers, and turbulence when pressure gradients tighten. Always brief, plan, and expect it.
What icing types matter for BIR ops?
Rime, clear, mixed, frost—it all hurts. Most BIR planes aren’t FIKI. Your best move? Stay out. Know temps, watch dew points, and never gamble with “just a little.” Pitot heat on, always.
How to read METARs, TAFs, SIGWX like a pro?
METARs = now. TAFs = what’s next. SIGWX = big picture. Decode vis, ceiling, QNH, trends. Know your minima—1500m, 600ft. “CAVOK” can hide trouble. “TEMPO” means change. CBs on SIGWX? Reroute. Good weather reading keeps you flying.
Why does HPL matter more under IFR?
Because your body lies to you. VFR? You fly by sight. IMC? You fly by scan. Lose visuals and your inner ear starts making things up. HPL teaches you to trust your instruments over instincts. That’s survival, not theory.
What illusions mess with your brain in the clouds?
From the “leans” to the graveyard spiral, illusions are IMC traps. They feel real—until they don’t. Black-hole approaches, false horizons, and vestibular lies will catch you. Stick to the scan, trust your panel, not your gut.
Isn’t automation the savior in single-pilot IFR?
Yes—until it isn’t. Automation cuts workload but can dull your skills. Use it like a virtual FO: assign tasks, double-check, but never stop flying the plane. If it drops out, you step up—no hesitation.
What’s TEM and why should I care as a solo pilot?
Threat and Error Management isn’t just airline talk—it’s your solo safety net. Spot threats (bad charts, bad weather), manage errors, and avoid undesired aircraft states. No copilot? TEM is your mental backup.
What medical standards apply to the BIR?
You’ll need at least a Class 2 medical with Class 1-level audiometry. Hearing matters in IMC. Fitness is more than paperwork—run IMSAFE every time. A certificate doesn’t mean you’re flight-fit after a rough night or meds.
How does the IMSAFE checklist keep me honest?
Sick? Tired? Medicated? Angry? If yes, don’t fly. IMSAFE isn’t a formality—it’s your firewall. Check your mindset too. Ego, invincibility, impulsiveness—know the antidotes. Fly the plane, not your mood.
What gear do you need for IFR in a GA single?
No need for dual everything. Under Part-NCO, you’ll need the basics: heading, speed, altitude, turn/slip, attitude, OAT, and power indicators. Heated pitot? Non-negotiable. GPS, autopilot, dual radios? Nice to have. Know your gear, know your limits, and always plan for “what if.”
Airspace alphabet soup—what matters to a BIR pilot?
Class C-E? You get ATC and separation. Class F and G? You’re mostly on your own. IFR in G means you play pilot and controller. Know your vertical rules, obstacle clearance, and when it’s your scan vs. ATC’s radar. Know before you go.
How do you sound like you belong on the frequency?
Clear, clipped, and calm. Use “Who, Where, Why, With” to check in. Take notes with CRAFT. Read back levels, clearances, runways, codes. Speak like you’re briefing your FO—your voice is your second pilot. Say it right, or say “Say Again.”
Which weather reports should you trust?
METARs = now. TAFs = what’s next. PIREP: What’s really happening. ATIS: What’s playing on loop. Use all four. One is a puzzle piece, four is the radar picture. IFR = informed flight. Know when a TAF’s lying and when a PIREP is your only warning.
What about ice and thunderheads?
Both are IFR’s worst dates—unpredictable, cold, dangerous. Ice robs lift and blocks tubes. Storms throw turbulence, microbursts, and hail. Avoid early, avoid wide, and don’t gamble on getting over or under. Thunderstorms aren’t scenery—they’re reroutes with attitude.
How do you know your instruments are lying?
Pitot blocked? ASI turns philosopher. Gyro loss? Welcome to partial panel. Know the symptoms, trust your cross-check. Failures don’t shout—they whisper. Train your scan to catch them early.
Can SkyDemon save your day?
Autorouter for routes, EuroFPL for filing, SkyDemon for the ride. Digital tools cut grunt work—not brain work. Double-check what they do. Batteries fail, satellites glitch—you’re still PIC. Stay sharp.
What’s required to make an aircraft IFR legal under Part-NCO?
It’s about essentials, not gadgets. You need magnetic heading, pressure altitude, attitude, OAT, pitot-static and gyro indicators, suction or voltmeter, pitot heat, radios (including 121.5), Mode S, and nav gear for your route. Autopilot and dual altimeters? Not required, but nice to have.
How do gyros work—and what throws them off?
Gyros spin fast and stay stubborn—rigidity in space. But they drift (precess) with bumps, turns, friction, and time. Heading indicator needs babysitting. Turn indicator uses precession. Learn the quirks or they’ll mislead you.
Pitot-static gremlins—what goes wrong and what you see?
Blocked pitot? ASI goes weird. Drain blocked too? Frozen reading. Static port blocked? Altimeter, VSI, ASI all go wonky. The fix: pitot heat, alternate static, or break VSI glass if desperate. Know the signs, know the moves—fly the airplane, not the lies.
How do you stay sharp after you get your BIR?
Don’t just tick boxes—train smart. Fly IMC or under the hood often. Book refreshers with instructors. Know your glass cockpit, but don’t forget raw data. Build strong weather judgment. Set personal minima. The BIR opens the IFR door—proficiency keeps it open.
What changes when I go IFR under Part-NCO?
You’re still PIC, but now you’re the systems integrator, risk assessor, and mission commander. Part-NCO means tighter fuel planning, doc checks, and IFR mindset: no more “see and avoid”—it’s “scan and comply.” Preflight and in-flight calls matter more. Buckle up.
What tools help with IFR planning?
Autorouter gets you the shortest, Eurocontrol-validated routes fast. SkyDemon is VFR king but handy for IFR overviews. These are tools, not magic. Don’t trust them blindly—know the regs, fly the plan, and stay ahead of the machine.
What do I need to know about IFR in European airspace?
From Class A to G, every slice of sky has its own rules. BIR pilots must know when they’ve got separation and when they are the separation. Controlled airspace? Clearance and comms are a must. Class G? You’re on your own. Know FIR boundaries, stay sharp on radio, and mind your airspace dance.
Why is workload management so important?
It’s just you up there. One brain, one set of hands. Too many distractions and situational awareness goes out the window. Prioritize: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate. Use checklists, brief before takeoff, use automation wisely, and know when to go manual. The best BIR pilots fly smooth because they plan smart.
What are the BIR’s key limitations?
BIR keeps it practical: EASA only, single-pilot, piston planes. 600 ft ceiling, 1500 m vis, and bump minima by 200 ft. CAT I ILS? Break off at 400, not 200. It’s safety, not handcuffs.
Why is icing a “no-go” for most BIR aircraft?
Most BIR planes aren’t FIKI. Ice is bad news—no lift, more drag, no mercy. Avoid it: check freezing levels, read SIGMETs. Hit ice? Pitot heat on, climb, descend, turn—just get out. No heroics here.
Why standard phraseology matters more than ever
Flying solo? Words matter. ICAO talk keeps everyone clear. “Roger,” not “Copy.” “Traffic in sight,” not “On TCAS.” It’s not just habit—it’s risk management. Clean comms, safe skies.
What’s new with lost comms procedures?
May 2025: New rules. 20 minutes at last assigned level, not 7. Squawk 7600 for IFR, 7601 for VMC and heading home. Know the codes, fly the plan, don’t improvise. SERA’s got your back.
How do tools like Autorouter and SkyDemon help?
They’re your digital copilots. Autorouter files the route, SkyDemon overlays charts and weather. They cut planning time, but don’t let them fly for you. Always check what they show—trust but verify.
Why does BIR currency matter so much?
IFR skills fade fast. EASA wants real IFR, not just sim time. Stay current—file and fly. BIR is for real flying, so keep at it. Know your limits, keep the rust away.
How do I master instrument scan and attitude flying?
It’s all scan. Cross-check, read, control. T-scan for cruise, Inverted-V for turns. Don’t fixate. Trim, check, adjust. Attitude indicator’s your anchor—but know how to fly when it quits.
What happens when instruments fail?
Pitot-static errors mess with speed and altitude. Gyros drift or die. Watch for stuck needles, weird moves. Learn partial panel, use what works, fly ahead of the airplane. Training’s your only backup.
What’s the point of BIR training?
It’s about making your flying more useful and safer. BIR bridges the VFR-IFR gap for real GA pilots. Unlock the rest of your license—no epaulets needed.
What mindset shift does BIR bring?
Stop looking outside—start trusting inside. BIR rewires your flying: proactive, ahead of the airplane, always in the loop. You’ll lean on your scan and manage threats like a pro.
Why are the weather minima stricter?
That extra 200 feet? It’s your safety net. More vis? More margin. These aren’t limits—they’re your training wheels. They help you build skill without biting off too much.
Where do I go after earning my BIR?
Night rating? Sure. MEP? Tempting. UPRT, aerobatics? Why not. Keep flying with instructors, keep learning your EFB, keep chasing mastery. BIR’s just your launchpad—now climb.
Why does learning not stop after BIR?
Clouds don’t care if you’re current. Skills fade, habits rust. Stay sharp with flights, approaches, and more briefings. This is a journey, not a certificate—keep logging.
How do tech tools fit into the BIR cockpit?
Autorouter, SkyDemon, EuroFPL—they’re cockpit assistants, not luxury. For planning, briefings, and awareness—they keep you ahead. Learn them, use them, but don’t let them do your thinking.
What’s the big picture after BIR?
You’ve got new wings. BIR lets you go farther, safer, smarter. Now it’s about staying sharp and humble. Trust your training, respect your limits, and always look ahead.
Ground Control
Got vectors, turbulence, or a tip to brief? Ground Control’s on headset. Whether it’s a course correction, cockpit tale, or sharp idea—we’re listening, squawk loud.