Instrument flight rules: Difference between revisions
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| access-date = 2010-11-27}}</ref> Flight conditions reported as equal to or greater than these VFR minimums are referred to as [[visual meteorological conditions]] (VMC). | | access-date = 2010-11-27}}</ref> Flight conditions reported as equal to or greater than these VFR minimums are referred to as [[visual meteorological conditions]] (VMC). | ||
Any aircraft operating under VFR must have the required equipment on board, as described in FAR Part 91.205<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library%5CrgFAR.nsf/0/D97FA35A1232A3988625768F005C12DE?OpenDocument|title=FAR Part 91 Sec. 91.205 effective as of 10/20/2009|website=rgl.faa.gov|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> (which includes some instruments necessary for IFR flight). VFR pilots ''may'' use cockpit instruments as secondary aids to navigation and orientation, but are not required to; the view outside of the aircraft is the primary source for keeping the aircraft straight and level (orientation), flying to the intended destination [[pilotage| | Any aircraft operating under VFR must have the required equipment on board, as described in FAR Part 91.205<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library%5CrgFAR.nsf/0/D97FA35A1232A3988625768F005C12DE?OpenDocument|title=FAR Part 91 Sec. 91.205 effective as of 10/20/2009|website=rgl.faa.gov|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> (which includes some instruments necessary for IFR flight). VFR pilots ''may'' use cockpit instruments as secondary aids to navigation and orientation, but are not required to; the view outside of the aircraft is the primary source for keeping the aircraft straight and level (orientation), flying to the intended destination ([[pilotage|navigation]]), and avoiding obstacles and hazards (separation).<ref name="flying_rc">{{cite journal | ||
| title = Getting an Instrument Rating | | title = Getting an Instrument Rating | ||
| journal = [[Flying (magazine)|Flying]] | | journal = [[Flying (magazine)|Flying]] | ||
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==Navigation== | ==Navigation== | ||
Because IFR flights often take place without visual reference to the ground, a means of navigation other than looking outside the window is required. A number of [[navigational aid]]s are available to pilots, including ground-based systems such as [[Distance Measuring Equipment| | Because IFR flights often take place without visual reference to the ground, a means of navigation other than looking outside the window is required. A number of [[navigational aid]]s are available to pilots, including ground-based systems such as [[VHF omnidirectional range|VORs]], [[Distance Measuring Equipment|DMEs]], and [[Instrument landing system localizer|localizers]] for enroute flight.<ref name="FAA-H-8083-51A" /> Glideslope transmitters are used in the final approach segment of [[Instrument landing system|instrument landing system (ILS)]] approaches.<ref name="FAA-H-8083-51A" /> Historically, [[Non-directional beacon|NDB]]s were commonly used, but they have largely gone out of service and are now found very infrequently and sporadically across the United States. The FAA plans to decommission all remaining NDBs by 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Federal Aviation Administration |date=2018-01-12 |title=Navigation Programs Strategy |url=https://www.aopa.org/-/media/Files/AOPA/Home/Advocacy/Advocacy/Advocacy-Briefs/Navigation_Programs_Strategy_2018_Final.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-31}}</ref> In recent years, satellite-based [[Global Positioning System|GPS/GNSS]] systems have become much more popular. Air traffic control may assist in navigation by assigning pilots specific headings ("radar vectors"). The majority of IFR navigation is given by ground- and satellite-based systems, while radar vectors are usually reserved by ATC for sequencing aircraft for a busy approach or transitioning aircraft from takeoff to cruise, among other things.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Federal Aviation Administration |date=2025-02-20 |title=FAA Order JO 7110.65BB - Air Traffic Control |url=https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/atc_html/ |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-31}}</ref> | ||
==Procedures== | ==Procedures== | ||
{{Main|Instrument approach|Flight procedure}} | {{Main|Instrument approach|Flight procedure}} | ||
Specific procedures allow IFR aircraft to transition safely through every stage of flight. These procedures specify how an IFR pilot should respond, even in the event of a complete radio failure, and loss of communications with ATC, including the expected aircraft course and altitude.{{ | |||
Specific procedures allow IFR aircraft to transition safely through every stage of flight. These procedures specify how an IFR pilot should respond, even in the event of a complete radio failure, and loss of communications with ATC, including the expected aircraft course and altitude.<ref>{{Cite web |title=14 CFR 91.185 -- IFR operations: Two-way radio communications failure. |url=https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-91/section-91.185 |access-date=2025-11-12 |website=www.ecfr.gov |language=en}}</ref> | |||
Departures are described in an IFR clearance issued by ATC prior to takeoff. The departure clearance may contain an assigned heading, one or more waypoints, and an initial altitude to fly. The clearance can also specify a departure procedure (DP) or [[standard instrument departure]] (SID) that should be followed unless "NO DP" is specified in the notes section of the filed flight plan.{{Citation needed|date=June 2015}} | Departures are described in an IFR clearance issued by ATC prior to takeoff. The departure clearance may contain an assigned heading, one or more waypoints, and an initial altitude to fly. The clearance can also specify a departure procedure (DP) or [[standard instrument departure]] (SID) that should be followed unless "NO DP" is specified in the notes section of the filed flight plan.{{Citation needed|date=June 2015}} | ||
En route flight is described by IFR charts showing navigation aids, fixes, and standard routes called ''[[Airway (aviation)|airways]]''. Aircraft with appropriate navigational equipment such as GPS, are also often cleared for a ''direct-to'' routing, where only the destination, or a few navigational waypoints are used to describe the route that the flight will follow. ATC will assign altitudes in its initial clearance or amendments thereto, and navigational charts indicate minimum safe altitudes for airways.<ref>{{cite web|title=Section 3. En Route Procedures|publisher=Archived from the [[FAA]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309151642/http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/aim0503.html| | En route flight is described by IFR charts showing navigation aids, fixes, and standard routes called ''[[Airway (aviation)|airways]]''. Aircraft with appropriate navigational equipment such as GPS, are also often cleared for a ''direct-to'' routing, where only the destination, or a few navigational waypoints are used to describe the route that the flight will follow. ATC will assign altitudes in its initial clearance or amendments thereto, and navigational charts indicate minimum safe altitudes for airways.<ref>{{cite web|title=Section 3. En Route Procedures|publisher=Archived from the [[FAA]]|url=http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/aim0503.html|access-date=31 March 2025|archive-date=9 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309151642/http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim/aim0503.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
The approach portion of an IFR flight may begin with a [[standard terminal arrival route]] (STAR), describing common routes to fly to arrive at an [[initial approach fix]] (IAF) from which an [[instrument approach]] commences. | The approach portion of an IFR flight may begin with a [[standard terminal arrival route]] (STAR), describing common routes to fly to arrive at an [[initial approach fix]] (IAF) from which an [[instrument approach]] commences. | ||
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==Qualifications== | ==Qualifications== | ||
===Pilot=== | ===Pilot=== | ||
To fly under IFR, a pilot must have an [[instrument rating]] and must be ''current'' (meet recency of experience requirements). | To fly under IFR, a pilot must have an [[instrument rating]] and must be ''current'' (meet recency of experience requirements). In the United States, to file and fly under IFR, a pilot must be instrument-rated and, within the preceding six months, have flown six [[instrument approach]]es, as well as [[holding (aviation)|holding]] procedures and course interception and tracking with [[navaid]]s. Flight under IFR beyond six months after meeting these requirements is not permitted; however, currency may be reestablished within the next six months by completing the requirements above. Beyond the twelfth month, examination ("instrument proficiency check") by an instructor is required.<ref>US Code of Federal Regulations, 14 CFR 61.57(c) and (d)</ref> | ||
In the United States, to file and fly under IFR, a pilot must be instrument-rated and, within the preceding six months, have flown six [[instrument approach]]es, as well as [[holding (aviation)|holding]] procedures and course interception and tracking with [[navaid]]s. Flight under IFR beyond six months after meeting these requirements is not permitted; however, currency may be reestablished within the next six months by completing the requirements above. Beyond the twelfth month, examination ("instrument proficiency check") by an instructor is required.<ref>US Code of Federal Regulations, 14 CFR 61.57(c) and (d)</ref> | |||
Practicing instrument approaches can be done either in the [[instrument meteorological conditions]] or in [[visual meteorological conditions]] – in the latter case, a [[safety pilot]] is required so that the pilot practicing instrument approaches can wear a view-limiting device which restricts | Practicing instrument approaches can be done either in the [[instrument meteorological conditions]] or in [[visual meteorological conditions]] – in the latter case, a [[safety pilot]] is required so that the pilot practicing instrument approaches can wear a view-limiting device which restricts their field of view to the instrument panel. A safety pilot's primary duty is to observe and avoid other traffic.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Apply for an Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) or Instrument Rating (Restricted) (IR(R)) {{!}} Civil Aviation Authority |url=https://www.caa.co.uk/general-aviation/pilot-licences/applications/ratings/apply-for-an-instrument-meteorological-conditions-imc-or-instrument-rating-restricted-ir-r/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=www.caa.co.uk}}</ref> | ||
In the UK, an IR (UK restricted) - formerly the "IMC rating" - which permits flight under IFR in airspace classes B to G in instrument meteorological conditions, a non-instrument-rated pilot can also elect to fly under IFR in visual meteorological conditions outside controlled airspace. Compared to the rest of the world, the UK's flight crew licensing regime is somewhat unusual in its licensing for meteorological conditions and airspace, rather than flight rules.{{Citation needed|date=June 2015}} | In the UK, an IR (UK restricted) - formerly the "IMC rating" - which permits flight under IFR in airspace classes B to G in instrument meteorological conditions, a non-instrument-rated pilot can also elect to fly under IFR in visual meteorological conditions outside controlled airspace. Compared to the rest of the world, the UK's flight crew licensing regime is somewhat unusual in its licensing for meteorological conditions and airspace, rather than flight rules.{{Citation needed|date=June 2015}} | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
{{Spoken Wikipedia|En-InstrumentFlightRules-article.ogg|date=2017-12-09}} | |||
* [http://www.faa.gov/ FAA website] | * [http://www.faa.gov/ FAA website] | ||
* [http://media.libsyn.com/media/airspeed/AirspeedCheckridePart1.mp3 Hear audio of a US instrument rating checkride - Part 1] | * [http://media.libsyn.com/media/airspeed/AirspeedCheckridePart1.mp3 Hear audio of a US instrument rating checkride - Part 1] | ||
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=QuIDAAAAMBAJ&q=Popular+Mechanics+1931+curtiss&pg=RA1-PA42 "Blind Flying, January 1933, | * [https://books.google.com/books?id=QuIDAAAAMBAJ&q=Popular+Mechanics+1931+curtiss&pg=RA1-PA42 "Blind Flying"], ''[[Popular Mechanics]]'', January 1933, details on blind flying for that era | ||
* [http://atccommunication.com/ ''ATC Communication, A complete pilot-to-ATC communication reference''] | * [http://atccommunication.com/ ''ATC Communication, A complete pilot-to-ATC communication reference''] | ||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
[[Category:Instrument flight rules| ]] | |||
[[Category:Aviation law]] | [[Category:Aviation law]] | ||
[[Category:Aviation meteorology]] | [[Category:Aviation meteorology]] | ||
[[Category:Avionics]] | [[Category:Avionics]] | ||
[[Category:Civil aviation]] | [[Category:Civil aviation]] | ||