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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Many pilots prefer IFR over VFR because they can fly regardless of the weather conditions. They aren't constrained by the VFR minimums you saw above. Also, IFR flying, with enough practice, makes navigation much simpler. It is as easy as following a line from A to B.
IFR flying is astronomically more challenging than is VFR flying, but those pilots who achieve this distinction are invariably better and safer pilots, both when flying IFR and when flying VFR. Aviating under IFR, a pilot is authorized to fly into clouds in what is called zero visibility.
IFR flying provides certain protections which are not readily available to those flying under VFR. Even if you never fly into a cloud, having an IFR-equipped airplane and pilot will make for a safer and confident journey. Flying through and above the clouds provides for safer travels.
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.
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.
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.
In the airlines, pilots will always fly IFR as required by the specific regulations that pertain to their operations, as well as their company's operating procedures.
Once you get your private pilot certificate, you are qualified to fly under visual flight rules (VFR). Under VFR, you can navigate using visual references outside the aircraft, such as landmarks on the ground and the horizon. There are also distances from clouds you must maintain and visibility requirements as well.
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.
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).
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.
14 CFR 91.169 (b) (2) (i) states that an alternate airport is not required if “for at least 1 hour before and for 1 hour after the estimated time of arrival the ceiling will be at least 2000 feet above the airport elevation and the visibility will be at least 3 statute miles.” To help remember those conditions of the ...
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.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all pilots to take their last flight by their 65th birthday, and they cannot fly again after that no matter their health or ability. Most pilots are retiring because of age: At least 5,773 retire each year because they hit the mandatory retirement age of 65.
§ 91.123 Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions. (a) When an ATC clearance has been obtained, no pilot in command may deviate from that clearance unless an amended clearance is obtained, an emergency exists, or the deviation is in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory.
A takeoff may be rejected for a variety of reasons, including engine failure, activation of the takeoff warning horn, direction from air traffic control (ATC), blown tires, or system warnings.