Instrument Pilot: GRABCARD Preparation
Conditions in the air are rarely ideal. Some environmental factors might cause the pilot’s vision to be impaired or nonexistent. In these situations, flight instruments can help you a lot. At The CAVU Pilot, we provide our students with the necessary knowledge to become expert instrument pilots.
GRABCARD aviation is one of the most important tools to help our students achieve their goals. GRABCARD preparation is extremely important, and our instructors will make sure you are familiar with it before you solo. Our program is designed to help pilots remember the most important items they need to complete a successful instrument approach.
Start the journey to becoming an experienced pilot by mastering IFR equipment.

What is GRABCARD Aviation?
GRABCARD is an acronym that helps you remember the most important instruments of an aircraft. It stands for the following:
G – Generator/Alternator: This system supplies electricity to your airplane.
R – Radio: This is your communication link with air traffic control and other airplanes.
A – Altimeter: It measures your altitude above sea level.
B – Ball: This is the Inclinometer. It tells you your airplane’s pitch and roll.
C – Clock: It will help you keep track of your time.
A – Attitude indicator: It gives the pilot a clear picture of the aircraft’s relative position to the Earth’s horizon.
R – Rate of turn: It indicates the turning radius and helps you maintain it as desired.
D – Directional gyro: This instrument tells you which way the airplane is pointing.
At The CAVU Pilot, you will learn this and many other acronyms in an easy way to remember. Our instructors are experienced pilots who have been where you are and know what you need to know about IFR equipment.
Why Is GRABCARD Preparation So Important?
As an instrument pilot, you’re responsible for operating the aircraft in accordance with instrument flight rules (IFR). This means you’ll need to be proficient in using all of the aircraft’s instruments to navigate and land safely.
Our aviation programs allow you to perform flying maneuvers in various situations and environments. This program is just one of the many things that make The CAVU Pilot the best aviation school in Knoxville, TN.
We are committed to making you achieve your goals as an aviator. Our graduated instrument pilots are better equipped to handle emergencies and make sound decisions while in flight.
Courses
- Private Pilot
- Instrument Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Certified Flight Instructor- Instrument (CFII)
Finance Your Training
- The CAVU Pilot offers financing to students who wish to make payments rather than pay out of pocket.
- Click the start application button below and get approved in seconds.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
We fly out of the Knoxville Downtown Island Airport (KDKX) in Knoxville, TN. Come say hi!
To schedule a discovery flight or enroll in a flight course, simply contact us via this link or call (609) 661-5083. We will have you up in the sky in no time!
The average cost for a Private Pilot Certificate is $9,000-$12,000. Advanced pilot certificate costs range from $5,000-$15,000.
- Cessna 150: $125/hour
- Instructor Fee: $75/hour
Most regularly scheduled students can complete the rating between three to six months. Plan to fly at least twice a week to make sufficient progress and reduce costs.
We use Flight Schedule Pro to manage all reservations. Use this link to request access to the schedule.
While most resources can be found above, if you prefer a hard copy, you can download our Pilot Starter Kit Checklist which will provide links to buy the necessary material.
We offer a 10% aircraft rental discount for clients that enroll in our Legacy membership online.