IFR flight planning: An Introduction

IFR Flight Planning: An Introduction

IFR flight planning is an abbreviation for Instrument Flight Rules which is a term applied to flight planning when the pilot intends to use on board instruments for the purposes of navigation. IFR is used when the conditions in an aircraft are believed to be unsafe to rely on visual clues alone. IFR comes to the forefront and is very important to use when conditions are unfavourable; when visibility is low, heavy clouds, rain or snow is present.This will depend upon the use of electronic signals for navigation and certain instruments within the flight deck. Basically if a pilot needs more than his or her eyes to navigate to a destination, IFR flight planning is needed.  If we want to put IFR into context then it is a good practice to understand the basics of VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight planning. VFR flight planning is the name given to flights where the pilot is solely reliant upon visual signs with regards to the safe navigation of the aircraft. VFR is far simpler than IFR in that the pilot may use his or her own judgment with regards to obstacles, height and cloud ceiling, whereas IFR requires a much more technical approach and also some extremely specialist training.

IFR flight planning and obstacles

The distance between any aircraft and any obstacles which it may encounter during a flight is termed the “separation” and this is a very important factor in IFR flight planning. The separation must be maintained no matter what the weather conditions. Air Traffic Control maintains a close eye on any aircraft which is in controlled airspace to ensure that IFR aircraft are maintaining separation. When an aircraft is in flight, one of the most important aspects of good IFR flight planning is taking into account the possibility of other craft in the airways. Planning needs to be extremely accurate as miscalculations can lead to disaster with regards to the necessary space needed to make the chosen route a successful and safe one. IFR flight planning takes all imaginable situations into account and attempts to ensure a safe flight keeping all risks to a minimum.

IFR and VFR differences

IFR flights need a pilot to have undergone rigorous training in order that complex tools are used to gain the best results. VFR flights differ in that they use a pilots own senses to navigate. The rules of VFR are rather simpler than those of IFR as pilots can make their own decisions regarding speed and bearing with more ease than a pilot who is flying under IFR. VFR flying allows the utilisation of the outside environment in decision making, the position of the horizon for instance can tell a pilot a lot about the height and course of their craft. IFR flight planning is all the more important when we consider this as the pilot is relying on relayed information almost all of the time. There is little room for manoeuvre of rules during IFR flight whereas a VFR flight allows a pilot to choose to use instruments as and when they see appropriate.