Practice Approaches with an Air Traffic Controller

In this episode of Flight Tales, host Ryan Owens sits down with Air Traffic Controller Nick Jeffers to talk about practice approaches and IFR training flights to weather decisions, missed approaches, traffic sequencing, and pilot communication, Nick shares valuable insights that can make every pilot safer and more effective in the air.Whether you're a student pilot, instrument student, CFI, or experienced aviator, this conversation provides a rare look at what controllers are thinking when they're working your flight.In This Episode:How to properly request multiple practice approachesWhen pilots should file IFR instead of staying VFRCommon communication mistakes student pilots makeWhat ATC needs to know before your flightWhy practice approaches sometimes get delayedWeather decision-making from the controller's perspectiveMissed approaches, alternates, and fuel planningHow controllers sequence training aircraft with airline trafficWhy ATC wants you talking to them—even when you don't have toBehind-the-scenes stories from the radar roomNick also explains how controllers balance safety, efficiency, and training operations while managing everything from Cessnas to regional jets and military aircraft.If you've ever wondered what the person on the other side of the radio is thinking, this episode is for you.Flight Tales brings pilots, instructors, examiners, controllers, and aviation professionals together to share real-world lessons from the cockpit and beyond.Owens Flight Training is a flight school based in Lafayette, Louisiana.www.owensflighttraining.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/owensflighttrainingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/owensflighttraining