Is IFR flying fun?

You may enjoy flying now—but with an instrument rating, you will enjoy it more. Getting an instrument rating is, indeed, a lot of work, but it is mixed with fun. Flying on instruments is like solving a challenging crossword puzzle. It's a lot of effort, but it's deeply rewarding.



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Part of the reason instrument flying is such a thrill is that it's hard, a fact that is simultaneously underrated and overrated by pilots. Underrated because really flying IFR (not just earning the rating) is probably the most challenging activity you can do these days, unless you're a heart surgeon or a Navy SEAL.

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IFR flying is astronomically more challenging than VFR flying, but those pilots who achieve this distinction are invariably more equipped to fly IFR and VFR. Aviating under IFR, a pilot is authorized to fly into clouds in what is called zero visibility. All of the VFR-pilot privileges also apply.

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Why Do Pilots Prefer IFR Over VFR? IFR provides pilots with greater flexibility when it comes to controlled airspace, weather conditions, and career opportunities.

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What is the 3 1 rule IFR? In aviation, the rule of three or 3:1 rule of descent is a rule of thumb that 3 nautical miles (5.6 km) of travel should be allowed for every 1,000 feet (300 m) of descent.

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If there is any question of weather, you can (and should) retain your IFR clearance until on the ground and then cancel. However, there may be good reasons to cancel depending upon circumstances. For example somebody may be following you and cannot be cleared for the approach until you cancel your IFR clearance.

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However, a pilot who has an instrument rating does not only remain safe in the air but he/she is also more insurable at a lower cost. An instrument rating is a qualification a private or commercial pilot must have in order to fly under Instrument Flight Rules.

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The data suggest that there is a 204% higher risk during the approach and landing phase of VFR flights, than during similar IFR operations (14.82 vs. 7.27 accidents/100,000 approaches).

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The airline transport pilot (ATP) is the most advanced pilot certificate one can obtain, and it's necessary for those who want to fly commercial airliners for a living. All commercial airlines now require a pilot applicant to have an ATP certificate.

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Single-pilot IFR is the toughest, and busiest, job in all of flying. You have to do everything that two pilots do in corporate and airline operations. Plus, when things get really tough, you may have to deal with the added distraction of acting as cabin flight attendant for your concerned passengers.

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The most common example of needing to use instruments is flying through clouds or IMC conditions. IMC, or Instrument Meteorological conditions, is weather that require the use of instruments, typically cloudy or low visibility. That means pilots using IFR clearances can fly without ever seeing the ground.

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Standard takeoff minima are one statute mile for aircraft having two engines or less and one-half statute mile for aircraft having more than two engines. Specified ceiling and visibility minima will allow visual avoidance of obstacles during the initial climb at the standard climb gradient.

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A night rating permits an aircraft pilot to fly at night under visual flight rules. The alternative is flight by instrument flight rules (IFR), under which visual reference to terrain and traffic is not required.

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The root cause of the coming shortage varies by region: In the United States, it's an aging workforce facing mandatory retirement, fewer pilots exiting the military, and barriers to entry, including the cost of training.

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  • instrument approaches.
  • H. Holding procedures.
  • I. Intercepting courses.
  • T. Tracking courses.
  • S. use of navigational electronic System.
  • If not current within 6 months. you can log required time with a safety pilot, examiner, or instructor.
  • If not current within 12 months. ...
  • To carry passengers as PIC (day)


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If a usable precision approach is available: 600' ceilings AND 2 SM of visibility. If only a non-precision approach is useable: 800' AND 2 SM of visibility. If no instrument approaches are available: Descent from the MEA and landing must be conducted under basic VFR.

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