Instrument Flight Rules
The aircrew knows the aircraft's intended destination. The "big question" is
how to arrive at the 'correct' location! The success or failure depends on the
crew's navigation skills.
Some pilots of light aircraft call themselves IFR rated pilots. Later they
reveal that IFR stands for "I Follow Roads" instead of the more correct meaning
of "Instrument Flight Rules" [IFR].
The true IFR licensed commercial pilot can navigate a plane above cloud
without reference to geographic landmarks, by using the VOR / NDB radio aids or
the more modern GPS equipment. They can do this by day or night and in all
weather conditions.
Sometimes, when flying in weather conditions below the minimums prescribed
for VFR flight, the expression IMC is used. This refers to Instrument
Meteorological Conditions.
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