IFR Aircraft/Flight

IFR aircraft or IFR flight refers to an aircraft operated or a flight conducted in accordance with instrument flight rules. IFR flight requires the aircraft to be appropriately equipped, the pilot to hold an instrument rating, and — in controlled airspace — an IFR clearance from ATC.

IFR vs. VFR

• VFR: Pilot maintains own separation from terrain and traffic using visual reference outside the aircraft
• IFR: Pilot navigates and maintains separation primarily using cockpit instruments; ATC provides separation from other IFR aircraft

IFR Equipment Requirements

IFR-equipped aircraft in Canada must carry (as a minimum): two-way radio, VOR receiver, ILS receiver (or approved substitute), altimeter, airspeed indicator, attitude indicator, heading indicator, turn and bank indicator, clock, and sufficient navigation equipment for the route. Full equipment requirements are in CARs Part VI.

IFR in VMC

An aircraft can operate IFR in visual meteorological conditions — this is common and legal. IFR in VMC still requires an ATC clearance in controlled airspace and the pilot to navigate by instruments. The pilot may use visual reference to supplement instrument cross-checks.

Related Terms

See also: Instrument Flight Rules, IFR Conditions, IMC.