Introduction to Instrument Flight Rules
Route: KFRG → KBED
This is your first lesson in the instrument rating program. Everything you learn here builds the foundation for all IFR flying — from reading instruments under the hood to copying a clearance at real-world cadence. By the end of this lesson, you will have flown partial panel, transitioned to full panel, and briefed a complete IFR cross-country route.
The scenario for this lesson is an IFR flight from Republic Airport (KFRG) on Long Island to Hanscom Field (KBED) near Boston. Using ForeFlight Maps or Flights, build the flight plan and select a route. Include the FRG SID.
Simulator Training
This lesson is conducted entirely on Aviator.NYC's FAA-approved AATD with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics. Up to 20 hours of instrument time logged on our AATD count toward your instrument rating when trained by an authorized instructor (14 CFR 61.65).
Lesson Objectives
- Establish foundational knowledge in instrument flying and IFR procedures
- Practice partial and full-panel attitude flying using G1000
- Learn route planning, IFR chart organization, and simulator setup for an IFR flight
- Introduction to ATC clearances, SID charts, and radio communication basics
Background Briefing Topics
- When is an instrument rating required?
- Instrument rating aeronautical experience requirements
- IFR currency — the "6 HITS" rule
- Logging instrument time
- IFR flight plan filing and clearance procedures
- The CRAFT mnemonic for copying clearances
- Preflight self-assessment: IM SAFE
- G1000 PFD setup for instrument flying
Simulator Exercise Topics
- Attitude flying with partial panel — 10/5 degree climbs, level flight, 20-degree banked turns
- Transition from attitude indicator only to adding altimeter, then heading indicator
- Full panel with all six instruments — Pattern A, Vertical S, S-1 maneuvers
- IFR clearance practice with real ATC audio from KFRG
- G1000 route setup: input flight plan, NAV radios, flight director
- Trim management under instrument conditions
Pilot Preparation
Complete these items before your lesson:
- Plan an IFR flight from KFRG to KBED using ForeFlight — practice route planning, weather briefing, and chart organization as if you were PIC
- Watch: Loading Flight Plan | Garmin G1000 NXi
- Watch: PFD Setup for Instrument Training Flight
- Watch: Stop Writing "CRAFT" on Every IFR Clearance — Here's Why!
- Read: Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) — Chapter 6, Section II: Airplane Attitude Instrument Flying Using an Electronic Flight Display
- Read: Instrument Flying Handbook — Chapter 7, Section II: Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers Using an Electronic Flight Display
- Download: Aviator.NYC Instrument Rating Files — save to iPad for offline access during sim
Flight Plan
Student Planning
Using ForeFlight Maps or Flights, plan an IFR flight for this lesson. Select an appropriate route and include the departure procedure if available. Brief the route, weather, and organize your charts before the session.
Instructor Notes
| Pacing | 45 min briefing, 60 min sim, 15 min debrief |
| Common Errors | Students fixate on the AI — remind them to scan. Most undertrim. First-timers often over-control bank angle. |
| Teaching Strategy | Start with NO instruments except AI. Add one at a time only when they can hold attitude. If they can't hold wings level on AI alone, don't add more instruments yet. |
| Student Page | aviator.nyc/resources/lesson-plans/instrument-rating/lesson-1-introduction/ |
When Is an Instrument Rating Required?
An instrument rating is required in several situations that go beyond typical VFR flying. Understanding these scenarios is fundamental to knowing why you are here.
- When acting as PIC under IFR or in weather conditions less than prescribed for VFR (14 CFR 61.3)
- When carrying passengers for compensation or hire on cross-country flights in excess of 50 NM or at night (14 CFR 61.133)
- For flight in Class A airspace (14 CFR 91.135)
- For Special VFR between sunset and sunrise (14 CFR 91.157)
Instrument Rating Experience Requirements
To be eligible for an instrument rating, you must meet the minimum aeronautical experience specified in 14 CFR 61.65:
- 50 hours cross-country PIC time
- Of which 10 hours must be in airplanes
- 40 hours actual or simulated instrument time, including:
- 15 hours with a CFII
- One cross-country flight of at least 250 NM along airways or by directed ATC routing, with:
- An instrument approach at each airport
- 3 different kinds of approaches using navigation systems
- A filed IFR flight plan
- 3 hours instrument flight training in the last 2 calendar months prior to practical test
Simulator and Training Device Credit
The FAA allows a portion of your instrument training to be completed in approved training devices:
Instrument Time Credit by Device Type
| Device | Max Credit (Part 142) | Max Credit (Non-Part 142) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Flight Simulator (FFS) or FTD | 30 hours | 20 hours |
| Advanced ATD (AATD) | 20 hours | 20 hours |
| Basic ATD (BATD) | 10 hours | 10 hours |
Logging Instrument Time
A pilot may log instrument time only for flight time when the person operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions. An authorized instructor may log instrument time when conducting instrument flight instruction in actual instrument flight conditions.
A flight simulator or FTD may be used to meet the flight review requirements as long as:
- It is used in an approved course by a training center under Part 142
- It represents an aircraft for which the pilot is rated
IFR Currency — "6 HITS"
To act as PIC under IFR or in weather conditions less than VFR minimums, you must have performed the following within the 6 calendar months preceding the month of flight:
The "6 HITS" — 14 CFR 61.57(c)
| Letter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6 instrument approaches |
| H | Holding procedures and tasks |
| I | Intercepting courses |
| T | Tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems |
| S | Simulated or actual instrument conditions |
The 6 HITS can be completed in a FFS, ATD, or FTD provided the device represents the category of aircraft for the instrument rating privileges to be maintained and the pilot performs the tasks and iterations in simulated instrument conditions. A flight instructor is not needed for currency — only for training.
IFR Currency Timeline
Think of IFR currency in three phases:
- Current (0–6 months): You have performed the 6 HITS or passed an IPC/checkride within the preceding 6 calendar months. You may fly IFR as PIC.
- Grace period (6–12 months): No 6 HITS in the previous 6 months. You have an additional 6 calendar months to perform the 6 HITS with a safety pilot (in simulated IMC), an instructor, or examiner, or in a FFS, FTD, or ATD.
- Expired (beyond 12 months): An Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) is the only way to reestablish currency. The IPC must be administered by a CFII, examiner, or other approved person. Guidelines are in the ACS.
Preflight Self-Assessment
"IM SAFE" Checklist
Before every flight — VFR or IFR — assess your personal fitness using the IM SAFE checklist:
| I | Illness — Do I have any symptoms? |
| M | Medication — Have I taken prescription or over-the-counter drugs? |
| S | Stress — Am I under psychological pressure, worried about finances, health, or family? |
| A | Alcohol — No drinking within 8 hours ("8 hours bottle to throttle"). No more than .04% BAC. |
| F | Fatigue — Am I tired / adequately rested? |
| E | Emotion — Am I emotionally upset? |
"PAVE" — Risk Management & Personal Minimums
Use PAVE to evaluate the four risk categories before each flight:
- P — Pilot: General health, physical/mental/emotional state, proficiency, currency
- A — Aircraft: Airworthiness, equipment, performance
- V — EnVironment: Weather hazards, terrain, airports/runways to be used, other conditions
- E — External pressure: Meetings, people waiting at destination, "get-there-itis"
"DECIDE" — Decision Making Model
- D — Detect that a change has occurred
- E — Estimate the need to counter the change
- C — Choose a desirable outcome
- I — Identify solutions
- D — Do the necessary actions
- E — Evaluate the effects of the actions
IFR Flight Plan Filing
No person may operate an aircraft in controlled airspace under IFR unless that person has filed an IFR flight plan and received an appropriate ATC clearance.
Filing Methods
- FSS — by phone (1-800-WX-BRIEF), over the radio (GCO/RCO), or in person
- Online — Leidos (1800wxbrief.com), Garmin (fltplan.com)
- EFB — ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot, FlyQ
- With ATC — over radio or phone if no other means available
Filing Requirements
- File at least 30 minutes prior to estimated departure
- Non-scheduled flights above FL230 should be filed at least 4 hours before estimated departure time (AIM 5-1-8)
- Preferred IFR Routes are published in the Chart Supplement. The AIM recommends filing a preferred route if one is available (AIM 5-1-8)
Flight Plan Cancellation
- Towered airports: Automatically canceled by ATC upon landing
- Non-towered airports: Pilot must contact ATC or FSS to cancel (by radio or phone)
- You can cancel anytime in flight if out of IMC and out of Class A airspace
Preflight Information Required — "NW KRAFT"
Before any IFR flight, the PIC is required to become familiar with all available information concerning that flight (14 CFR 91.103). Use the NW KRAFT mnemonic:
| N | NOTAMs |
| W | Weather reports and forecasts |
| K | Known traffic delays as advised by ATC |
| R | Runway length of intended use |
| A | Alternatives available if flight cannot be completed as planned |
| F | Fuel requirements |
| T | Takeoff and landing performance data |
IFR Clearance — "CRAFT"
When you receive your IFR clearance from ATC, it will contain five elements. Use the CRAFT mnemonic to copy and read back the clearance. Read our deep-dive on why CRAFT is just the starting point: Beyond CRAFT — Elevating Pilot Proficiency in Instrument Clearances.
| C | Clearance limit — Usually the destination airport |
| R | Route — As filed, or amended by ATC |
| A | Altitude — Initial altitude assignment (may include "expect" altitude) |
| F | Frequency — Departure frequency to contact after takeoff |
| T | Transponder code — Squawk code |
Required Documents & Equipment
Personal Documents — Pilot
- Pilot Certificate
- Medical certificate (or US Driver's license as permitted — 14 CFR 61.113 & 61.23)
- Authorized photo ID (passport, driver's license, etc.)
- Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (for flights outside the US)
Aircraft Documents — "ARROW"
| A | Airworthiness certificate |
| R | Registration certificate |
| R | Radio station license (for flights outside the US) |
| O | Operating limitations & information (in AFM) |
| W | Weight & Balance data (aircraft specific) |
IFR Equipment Required — "GRABCARD"
For IFR flight, the aircraft must have all VFR day equipment, VFR night equipment, plus GRABCARD:
| G | Generator / alternator |
| R | Radios — two-way radio communication & navigational equipment suitable for the route |
| A | Altimeter — sensitive, adjustable for barometric pressure |
| B | Ball — slip-skid indicator (inclinometer) |
| C | Clock — hours, minutes, seconds with sweep-second pointer or digital display |
| A | Attitude indicator |
| R | Rate-of-turn indicator |
| D | Directional gyro — heading indicator |
Aircraft Inspections — "AVIATES"
Before flying IFR, verify that all required inspections are current:
| Letter | Inspection | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| A | Airworthiness Directive (AD) — required inspections | As specified in each AD |
| V | VOR check | Every 30 days (14 CFR 91.171) |
| I | Inspections — Annual and 100-hour | Annual: 12 calendar months |
| A | Altimeter, automatic altitude reporting (transponder) & static system | Every 24 calendar months (14 CFR 91.411) |
| T | Transponder | Every 24 calendar months (14 CFR 91.413) |
| E | ELT — inspected / battery | Every 12 calendar months (14 CFR 91.207) |
| S | Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) inspections | As required |
G1000 Setup for IFR Flight
Before departing on an IFR flight in our G1000 simulator, you need to configure the avionics properly. This sequence becomes second nature with practice.
Pre-Departure Checklist
- PFD Configuration: Set the flight director to heading mode. Ensure the CDI source is correct (GPS or NAV as appropriate for the departure).
- Flight Plan Entry: Load your IFR route into the G1000 flight plan page. Verify waypoints match your clearance.
- NAV Radio Setup: Set NAV1 and NAV2 frequencies. Tune COM1 to clearance delivery, COM2 to ATIS.
- Flight Director Heading: Set your assigned heading (typically the runway heading or a departure heading from your clearance).
- Altimeter: Set to current altimeter setting from ATIS. Confirm the altitude readout matches field elevation within ±75 ft (AIM 7-2-3).
- Transponder: Enter assigned squawk code. Set to ALT (Mode C) before takeoff.
Attitude Instrument Flying — Fundamentals
All instrument flying is built on one principle: control the aircraft's attitude, and the performance will follow. The attitude indicator is your primary reference — every other instrument provides supporting information.
Partial Panel Progression
In this lesson, you will build your instrument scan incrementally:
- Attitude Indicator only — All other instruments covered. Practice 10° and 5° pitch changes (climbs and descents), level flight with configuration changes, and 20° banked turns. Focus entirely on attitude and trim.
- Add Altimeter — Now you can verify your pitch inputs produce the desired altitude changes. Practice climbs and descents to specific altitudes.
- Add Heading Indicator — Now you can verify your bank inputs produce accurate heading changes. Practice turns to specific headings with climbs and descents.
- Full Panel — All six instruments uncovered. Establish your full instrument cross-check: Pattern A, Vertical S, S-1 maneuvers.
Pre-Flight Briefing
Before starting the simulator, complete the following with your instructor:
- IFR Pre-Flight Planning: Brief the KFRG → KBED route, review weather, and organize charts on your EFB
- IFR Clearance Practice: Practice full readback of the sample clearance
- G1000 Setup: Walk through COM1/COM2 setup, ATIS frequency, and clearance delivery
- Introduction to SIDs: Review routing tools in ForeFlight/G1000 and brief the FRG departure
ATC Audio Practice
Listen to these real ATC recordings from Republic Airport (KFRG). Practice extracting weather information from ATIS and copying IFR clearances at real-world cadence.
ATIS
KFRG ATIS Bravo
Practice extracting wind, ceiling, visibility, altimeter, and active runway from this ATIS broadcast.
KFRG ATIS Charlie
Listen for changes between consecutive ATIS updates. What weather changed between Bravo and Charlie?
IFR Clearance
KFRG → KBED IFR Clearance
Real IFR clearance from Republic to Hanscom. Use CRAFT to copy: Clearance limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency, Transponder. The route and altitude may differ from our planned scenario.
ForeFlight Briefing: Download KFRG → KBED ForeFlight Briefing (PDF) — Complete navlog, route, METARs/TAFs, winds aloft, and vertical cross-section for this scenario.
Phase 1: IFR Flight Setup
Set up for the KFRG → KBED IFR flight. Use ForeFlight for real-world flight planning. If you want to see a sample IFR flight plan, download the KFRG → KBED briefing (PDF).
- G1000 Route Entry: Input the flight plan you selected into the G1000 flight plan page. Include the SID.
- COMM/NAV Radio Setup: Set appropriate frequencies for the departure.
- Obtain IFR Clearance: Contact clearance delivery and copy your clearance using CRAFT.
- Amend as Needed: Make changes to the flight plan as required by your clearance.
End of flight planning section. Instructor can reposition to a ramp holding short of the runway.
Phase 2: Partial Panel Attitude Flying
You will start with only the attitude indicator visible. All other instruments are covered or turned off. The goal is to learn that attitude controls performance — if you set the correct pitch and bank, the airplane will do what you want without needing to see altitude or heading.
Exercises
-
Pitch Changes: Practice 10° nose-up and 5° nose-down pitch changes from straight-and-level. Return to level flight using the attitude indicator only.
- Focus: Smooth, deliberate control inputs. Small corrections.
- Trim after each pitch change — the airplane must fly hands-off at the new attitude.
- Level Flight with Configuration Changes: Maintain level flight while adding/removing power. The pitch attitude will change — maintain altitude using attitude reference only.
- Level Flight with Far Configuration: Holding 2,000 RPM, maintain level attitude. Add flaps and trim for each stage of flaps. Then retract all flaps.
-
Banked Turns: 20° banked turns left and right. Roll to 20°, hold the bank, roll wings level.
- Focus: Coordinated use of aileron and rudder. Watch for altitude loss in the turn.
Phase 3: Building the Instrument Scan
One instrument at a time, you will build your cross-check.
Step 1: Add Altimeter
Now you can verify altitude. Practice climbing to a specific altitude (e.g., 3,000 ft), leveling off, then descending to another altitude. Continue making turns.
Step 2: Add Heading Indicator
Now you can verify heading. Practice turns to specific headings: "Turn left heading 270." Combine heading changes with altitude changes: "Climb and maintain 4,000, turn right heading 090."
Step 3: Full Panel
All six instruments are now uncovered. Establish your full instrument cross-check incorporating airspeed, attitude, altimeter, turn coordinator, heading indicator, and vertical speed.
Practice the following instrument maneuvers:
Cockpit Setup Videos
Review these videos before or after your simulator session:
- PFD Setup for Instrument Training Flight
- Setting Your Flight Director: Heading Assignment Before Takeoff
- Loading Flight Plan | Garmin G1000 NXi
- IFR Radio Communication Setup | Flight Training New Jersey
- Stop Writing "CRAFT" on Every IFR Clearance — Here's Why!
- How to Organize Your Charts in ForeFlight | KFRG–KBED Example
Key Takeaways
- Attitude controls performance. Set the attitude on the AI, trim to hold it, then cross-check the other instruments. Never chase the needles.
- Trim is not optional. If you're holding pressure on the yoke, you're not trimmed. Fix it immediately — trim frees your attention for the scan.
- CRAFT is your clearance framework. Clearance limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency, Transponder. Listen for the structure, not every word.
- IFR currency requires action. The 6 HITS must be performed every 6 calendar months. After 12 months with no currency, only an IPC can restore your privileges.
- Know what's required before you fly. ARROW for the aircraft documents, GRABCARD for IFR equipment, AVIATES for inspections, NW KRAFT for preflight information.
Mnemonics from This Lesson
| Mnemonic | Purpose | Elements |
|---|---|---|
| CRAFT | IFR clearance copy | Clearance limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency, Transponder |
| GRABCARD | IFR equipment required | Generator, Radios, Altimeter, Ball, Clock, Attitude indicator, Rate-of-turn, Directional gyro |
| ARROW | Aircraft documents | Airworthiness, Registration, Radio license, Operating limitations, Weight & Balance |
| AVIATES | Required inspections | AD, VOR check, Inspections, Altimeter/static, Transponder, ELT, STC |
| NW KRAFT | Preflight information (91.103) | NOTAMs, Weather, Known delays, Runway, Alternatives, Fuel, Takeoff/landing data |
| 6 HITS | IFR currency | 6 approaches, Holding, Intercepting, Tracking, Simulated/actual IMC |
| IM SAFE | Pilot self-assessment | Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion |
| PAVE | Risk management | Pilot, Aircraft, enVironment, External pressure |
| DECIDE | Decision making | Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate |
Oral Exam Self-Test
Can you answer these questions without looking? These are common oral exam topics from Lesson 1 material.
- When is an instrument rating required? (Name all four situations.)
- What are the minimum aeronautical experience requirements for an instrument rating?
- How many hours of instrument time can you log in an AATD toward your instrument rating?
- What does "6 HITS" stand for, and what is the time period?
- What happens if you haven't met IFR currency for 7 months? For 13 months?
- What equipment is required for IFR flight beyond VFR day equipment? (Spell out GRABCARD.)
- What documents must be in the aircraft? (ARROW)
- How often must the VOR be checked for IFR flight? What are the acceptable tolerances?
- How often must the altimeter, static system, and transponder be checked?
- What is a "clearance void time" and what must you do if you don't depart before it expires?
- Can you depart IFR from an uncontrolled airport without a clearance? What are the risks?
- What are the five elements of an IFR clearance? (CRAFT)
- What preflight information is the PIC required to become familiar with before an IFR flight? (NW KRAFT)
- What is the minimum equipment required for IFR flight in terms of navigation capability?
- When can a flight simulator or FTD be used to meet the flight review requirement?
Post-Flight Discussion Points
Review these with your instructor after the simulator session:
- How effective was your instrument scan? Were you fixating on any single instrument?
- Was the airplane properly trimmed during attitude changes?
- During partial panel, could you maintain altitude and heading using attitude reference alone?
- Were you able to copy the IFR clearance from the audio recording? What elements did you miss?
- How comfortable are you with the G1000 flight plan entry workflow?
Pilot Preparation for Lesson 2
Lesson 2 covers VOR navigation and IFR cross-country planning (KMMU → KABE). Complete this preparation:
Reading
- Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B):
- Chapter 9: Navigation Systems (Pages 251–258)
- Chapter 5: Autopilot Systems (Pages 5-25 to 5-26)
- Chapter 7: Flight Maneuvers Using EFD (Pages 7-33 to 7-39)
- Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B):
- Section 4-35: Flight Management Systems (FMS)
- Section 4-36: Autopilot Modes
Videos
- Loading and Checking the VOR 24 into Nantucket using G1000
- Instrument Holds in Garmin G1000 | Two Methods
- Video study: Search your preferred learning platform (Sporty's, Pilot Institute, or YouTube) for "Autopilot and Flight Director Systems," "VOR Navigation Basics," and "Holding Procedures"
Practice
- Review the IFR Maneuvers PDF: Teardrop Entries, 80/260
- Watch: IAF vs. Vectors and Approach Activation
Coming Up in Lesson 2
- VOR navigation and IFR cross-country planning
- VOR radial tracking and TO/FROM logic
- Holding entries: direct, teardrop, parallel
- Flight Director and autopilot modes: HDG, NAV, FLCH, VS
- Flight planning from KMMU to KABE
Resources
FAA Publications
Aviator.NYC Materials
- Instrument Rating Files — Instrument Flight Maneuvers PDF, G1000 NXi reference, approach plates for KBED
- Instrument Flight Maneuvers — Pattern A, Vertical S, S-1, S-2 (local diagrams)
- KFRG → KBED ForeFlight Briefing
Coming Up Next: Lesson 2 — VOR Navigation & IFR Cross-Country Planning
This lesson transitions from basic instrument flying to IFR navigation. You will learn how VOR stations work, how to track radials, and how the TO/FROM indicator tells you your position relative to...
Continue to Lesson 2: VOR Navigation & IFR Cross-Country Planning →
Additional Resources
These lesson plans are provided as supplementary training guidance only. They do not supersede FAA publications, aircraft manufacturer documentation, or your instructor's direction. Always refer to the FAA Instrument Flying Handbook, Airplane Flying Handbook, AIM, and applicable POH/AFM as the official sources.