VFR Foundations (3 Hours Flight Minimum)
This virtual Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) Block 1 curriculum is designed as an introductory low-level training program for aspiring pilots, focusing on foundational Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations in a simulated environment. It emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and basic handling skills. The course builds core competencies in communications, navigation, and flight maneuvers under VFR conditions, preparing trainees for more advanced blocks involving instrument flight or high-performance aircraft.
Training is conducted virtually via flight simulators, split between ground lessons and simulated flights.
Focus Area
Training Stages
Objectives
Course Objectives
- ✓ Perform basic ground communications with ATC and ground services
- ✓ Understand VFR airspace classifications, speed rules, cruising altitudes, and squawk codes
- ✓ Conduct VFR flight planning including route selection, fuel calculations, and weather
- ✓ Navigate directly to a point using visual, GPS, VOR, or external tools
- ✓ Demonstrate basic aircraft control (straight-and-level, turns, climbs, descents)
- ✓ Execute VFR military traffic patterns and communications
- ✓ Execute VFR civilian traffic patterns and communications
- ✓ Enter and activate low-level routes and special use airspace
- ✓ Understand basics of night flight operations including cockpit and airport lighting
Completion Standards
Altitude Tolerance
Heading Tolerance
Airspeed Tolerance
- • All 7 flight lessons completed (solo or with IP)
- • B1107 integrated scenario demonstrates full block proficiency
- • Errors corrected through debriefs; re-flights as needed
Curriculum
The curriculum is divided into two stages: Ground Training (theory and planning) and Flight Training (practical application). Lessons include self-study materials, instructor-led sessions, and debriefs.
Training Requirements
- Ground Training: Recommended but not mandatory. Self-study reference materials to prepare for flight training.
- Flight Training: Mandatory. All Block 1 flight lessons may be flown solo or with an instructor — no IP required. Solo flights must be submitted via the Post-Mission form with a StatsSim flight link for gradesheet credit.
Solo-Eligible Block: All B1xxx flight lessons count toward gradesheet completion when logged solo. Select SOLO (Self-Directed) as your instructor on the Post-Mission form and attach a StatsSim link. Your IP will review and assign a grade.
GROUND Ground Training RECOMMENDED
Self-study materials to review before flight training. Completing these lessons will help you get more out of your flight time.
Phonetics, Who-Who-What, VFR radio sequence, CTAF
Airspace classes, weather minimums, sectionals, special use airspace
METARs, TAFs, waypoints, T-38C fuel calculations
Visual, GPS, VOR, and external tools navigation methods
Towered, untowered, overhead patterns, closed traffic, spacing
MTRs, MOAs, restricted areas, activation procedures
Cockpit lighting, aircraft lights, airport beacons, PAPI/VASI
FLIGHT Flight Training SOLO OK
Flight sorties covering all Block 1 objectives through practical application. May be flown solo or with an instructor — all lessons in this block are solo-eligible.
Attitude, power management, trim, basic maneuvers
GPS navigation, waypoints, direct routing
Towered/non-towered patterns, radio calls
Overhead breaks, high-speed patterns, military comms
MTR navigation, terrain following, activation
Night operations, lighting management, PAPI usage
Final integration - full Block 1 practice mission