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.

Dead Reckoning

Page last updated on 31/12/03

Navigation
VFR
IFR
Dead Reckoning
Night Beacons
ADF
GDF
Loran/Gee
VAR
DME&ILS
Celestial Navigation
FAN