Instrument Procedures

This Section is designed as a technical reference for all pilots who operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) in the National Airspace System (NAS). It expands and updates information contained in the Instrument Flight Rules Section, and introduces advanced information for IFR operations. Instrument flight instructors, instrument pilots, and instrument students will also find this Section a valuable resource since it is used as a reference for the Airline Transport Pilot and Instrument Knowledge Tests and for the Practical Test Standards. It also provides detailed coverage of instrument charts and procedures including IFR takeoff, departure, en route, arrival, approach, and landing. Safety information covering relevant subjects such as runway incursion, land and hold short operations, controlled flight into terrain, and human factors issues also are included.

If you are new to IFR flight, or are looking for a refresher, you should begin your research in the Instrument Flight Rules Section.

The information found in this section is based upon the information found in the Instrument Procedures Handbook (2017) published by the FAA.

Flight Literacy Recommends

Rod Machado’s Instrument Pilot’s Handbook – From how the basic aircraft instruments really work through what’s inside a thunderstorm and how a GPS approach works, Machado teaches IFR pilots not just the minimum needed to pass the instrument pilot written exam, but every aspect of IFR flying. This up-to-date text covers the latest information on GPS, glass cockpits, data uplinks, computer-based resources, and other new (and future) technologies and techniques. It is also a rich source of practical information about how real pilots really fly IFR. Readers learn how to gauge the thunderstorm potential of a cumulus cloud by estimating the rainfall rate, scan their instruments in a way that provides maximum performance with minimum effort, and keep the needle centered during an ILS or LPV approach by using the sky pointer on the attitude indicator.

Rod Machado’s Instrument Pilot’s Survival Manual – Rod Machado’s Instrument Pilot’s Survival Manual is written to answer the instrument pilot’s most important and frequently unanswered questions. Illustrated with humorous drawings and containing some of the most spectacular reports of pilots confronted by the problems of instrument flight, Rod’s manual is sure to educate and entertain you. Written in a humorous style, this book will prepare you to be a more educated and proficient pilot. Excellent for any IFR student, experienced professional pilot or as an IFR refresher.

Rod Machado’s Secrets of IFR Approaches and Departures – If you’re an active IFR pilot or preparing for an IPC or even your ATP or IFR rating, then this course is for you. Why? Because the IFR pilot’s weakest link is approach and departure knowledge as it relates to instrument charts.