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WHAT IS IFR?

Two sets of rules govern the operation of aircraft. Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 91 defines Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The guiding principle for VFR flight is "see and avoid." Since the "see and avoid" principle cannot apply in bad weather, The FAA's Air Traffic Control (ATC) system assumes responsibility for separation of air traffic operating under IFR.

Do not confuse rules under which you are operating with existing weather conditions. If the weather is at or above the minimums established for VFR flight, you may fly under VFR or IFR. Whenever IFR conditions exist, weather below minimums for VFR flight, you must fly under IFR. The ATC system provides separation only between known aircraft. The system operates as if IFR conditions exist at all times, even though the actual weather might allow VFR flight. This means when you are on an IFR flight in VFR conditions you are responsible to see and avoid other aircraft.

WHO CAN FLY UNDER IFR ?

FAR Part 61 requires when a flight is made under IFR or in IFR conditions, the pilot in command must have an instrument rating. FAR Part 91 requires the pilot and the airplane to be instrument qualified for flight under Special VFR at night. A Commercial Pilot must hold an instrument rating or his certificate will bear the limitation "The carriage of passengers for hire in airplanes on cross country flights of more than 50 nautical miles, or at night, is prohibited."

In addition to the rating, you must maintain a minimum level of recent experience at instrument flying in order to act as pilot in command under IFR. To be current, you must have performed and logged, within the previous six months, instrument experience in the following areas:

- Instrument approaches (at least six ).

- Holding procedures.

- Intercepting and tracking courses using navigation systems.

The instrument experience used to show currency must be obtained in the same category of aircraft (i.e. airplane, rotorcraft, etc.) for which the instrument privileges are sought, or in a flight simulator or flight training device (approved ground trainer).

If an aircraft is used to obtain the above experience, then the time must be logged as actual or simulated instrument conditions. You can log as instrument time only that flight time during which you control the airplane solely by reference to instruments. When flying under simulated instrument conditions, a safety pilot must occupy the other control seat. The safety pilot must be appropriately rated for the aircraft. Each logbook entry indicating instrument time must show the place and type of instrument approach made and, if logged as simulated instrument time, must include the name of the safety pilot.

If you allow your instrument currency to lapse, you have an additional six calendar months in which to meet the currency requirements. If you fail to do so, you must pass an instrument competency check given by an FAA examiner, FAA inspector, or an Instrument Flight Instructor. A flight test for an instrument rating or a competency check allows you to fly as pilot in command under IFR for a period of six calendar months, regardless of the hours you log.

WHEN IS IFR REQUIRED?

You must fly under IFR whenever the weather is below the minimum for VFR flight, If you plan to fly in controlled airspace (Class B, C, D, or E) under IFR you must file a flight plan and obtain an ATC clearance . No flight plan or clearance is required for IFR flight in uncontrolled airspace (Class G), but you must follow the Instrument Flight Rules. IFR flight is mandatory in Class A airspace.