PTD Bulletin July 25 - VFR without GPS

Flying VFR Without GPS

In an age where GPS is woven into nearly every aspect of modern aviation, it’s easy to forget that pilots once navigated confidently and accurately without satellites. Whether due to equipment failure, regulatory restriction, or simply a desire to sharpen core skills, flying VFR (Visual Flight Rules) without GPS remains not only possible—but essential for a well-rounded aviator. This article – edited by our new pilot trainer @Quentin Hüni, who holds a real life PPL revisits techniques for pilotage and dead reckoning, reinforces situational awareness, and provides practical tips for maintaining proficiency in a cockpit free of digital navigation aids. Whether you're a student building foundational skills or a seasoned pilot preparing for the unexpected, mastering VFR without GPS will make you a safer, more capable flyer.

https://www.vacc.ch/file/600

All  PTD bulletins at https://www.vacc.ch/de/für_piloten/pilot_docs/

PTD - Pilot Training Department vACC Switzerland

Events - Summerbreak 2025

Dear Pilots 

During vacation time in Switzerland we also let our controller take a break from our events. Our weekly and monthly events will be back in August, below you will find the dates when each event series will return from their summer break. 

Zurich Night - 19th August 2025 (every tuesday)
Geneva One by One - 29th August 2025 (every last friday of the month)
Transversal Thursday - 11th September 2025 (every second thursday of the month)

Missing the good Swiss ATC? No worries! Controller will be online besides events and training will continue as well. Check out the bookings on our homepage (top right). 

We hope that you enjoy the nice weather as well and we are looking forward to welcome you back at our events in August!

See you!

 

PTD Bulletin June 25 - Holdings

When approaching an airport, do you get sweaty when ATC instructs you to hold? Holding is a very useful procedure for ATC to organize the traffic flow; however it may create a stressful situation with the pilot. Are you well used to enter holdings? Do you know what parameters to read-up from the charts well in time?

The attached bulletin will provide you with insights into the concept of holdings and lists the actions to be undertaken by pilots. Enjoy reading and never again get nervous, when asked to hold.

https://www.vacc.ch/file/599

All  PTD bulletins at https://www.vacc.ch/de/für_piloten/pilot_docs/

PTD - Pilot Training Department vACC Switzerland

PTD Bulletin April 25 - ETOPS

Ever wondered how twin-engine aircraft safely cross vast oceans and remote regions - being aware the next alternate airport to be at far distance? Welcome to the world of ETOPS - Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards. This document unpacks how modern aviation has pushed boundaries, allowing aircraft to fly further and smarter, without compromising safety. From regulatory evolution to real-world applications, discover the system that keeps long-haul flights efficient and reliable. Buckle up - it’s time to explore the skies beyond the horizon.

The attached newsletter edited by real-world-airline-pilot @Chiara Paganini·1268472 explains in detail, the purpose of ETOPS as well as its requirements on flight planning and procedures. Grasp this excellent opportunity to make yourself familiar with this topic and extend your range of knowledge.

https://www.vacc.ch/file/597

Further PTD bulletins at https://www.vacc.ch/de/für_piloten/pilot_docs/

PTD - Pilot Training Department vACC Switzerland

PTD Bulletin March 25 - IFR tutorial step-by-step

Operating an IFR flight is a science in itself. 1000 activities have to be processed in the correct sequence. Although its all documented somewhere … reading all of it takes ages and lets you review tons of paper.

This document helps pilots with yet limited experience to understand and to follow the actions of an IFR flight step-by-step. It also provides useful information of IFR air traffic regulations as well as practical hints when interacting with ATC.

Seasoned pilots may use the doc to check from time to time the correct handling of their flights.

https://www.vacc.ch/file/595

Further PTD bulletins at https://www.vacc.ch/de/für_piloten/pilot_docs/

PTD - Pilot Training Department vACC Switzerland