Instrument Flying Handbook (IFH)
The Instrument Flying Handbook (IFH), FAA-H-8083-15B, is a free FAA publication covering all aspects of instrument flight. It includes attitude instrument flying, navigation systems, IFR flight procedures, instrument approaches, and emergency IFR operations. It is the primary reference for instrument rating training. Download it at no cost from FAA.gov.
Why This Document Matters
The Instrument Flying Handbook is the companion to the PHAK for instrument-rated pilots. It covers the theory and practice of flying solely by reference to instruments—a skill that transforms a fair-weather pilot into an all-weather aviator. From basic attitude instrument flying to complex approach procedures, the IFH provides the knowledge foundation for the instrument rating. DPEs reference it when evaluating instrument checkride performance, and its content forms the basis of the Instrument Rating knowledge test.
Study This Document in One Loop
What is the Study Loop?A 30-60 minute scenario-first session that replaces hours of passive reading.
Scenario
Decision
Targeted Learning
Open only these sections of the IFH:
- Chapter 4 — Basic Instrument Flying (control and performance, primary/supporting instruments, cross-check)
- Chapter 3 — Human Factors (spatial disorientation, graveyard spiral, leans, ADM under stress)
- Chapter 10 — IFR Approaches (precision vs non-precision, missed approach procedures)
- Chapter 8 — Departure and Enroute (alternate requirements, fuel planning, diversions)
Debrief
Compare your Decision to what the handbook says:
- ?Personal minimums vs. regulatory minimums: do you actually have written personal minimums? If not, how do you decide?
- ?Spatial disorientation recovery: trust the instruments, not the seat of your pants. Which instrument do you fix on first?
- ?At an approach minimums, what are the three things you must have in sight to continue? What if you have the REIL but not the TDZ?
- ?If you lost your attitude indicator right now in IMC, what is your partial-panel scan? Say it out loud.
Reinforcement
Turn your biggest miss into fast-recall rules:
- IFR alternate rule: 1-2-3 (±1 hr of ETA, 2,000 ft ceiling, 3 mi visibility) requires an alternate filed.
- Missed approach: climb, clean, communicate. Establish the climb before touching the radio.
- Partial panel: pitch from altimeter trend + airspeed; bank from turn coordinator + compass.
What Order to Read the IFH
Don't read by chapter number. Work the four phases. Start with whichever you're weakest in.
Survival Thinking
“What can hurt me?”
- •Chapter 3 — Human Factors (spatial disorientation, illusions, sensory overload in IMC)
- •Chapter 9 — Emergency Operations (unusual attitudes, partial panel, lost comm IFR)
- •Chapter 7 — Aeromedical Factors in IFR (fatigue, workload, stress management)
Interpretation
“What am I looking at?”
- •Chapter 4 — Basic Instrument Flying (instrument cross-check, primary/supporting)
- •Chapter 5 — Navigation Systems (VOR, ILS, GPS/WAAS, RNAV)
- •Chapter 6 — Airplane Basic Flight Maneuvers Using an Electronic Flight Display
Prediction
“What will happen?”
- •Chapter 2 — Air Traffic Control System (clearances, radar services, expected routing)
- •Chapter 8 — Departure and Enroute (SID/STAR, alternate planning, fuel)
Checkride Mode
“Can I explain it under pressure?”
- •Chapter 10 — Approaches: brief the approach out loud, including missed. DPE standard.
- •Chapter 4 — Unusual attitude recovery: nose-high and nose-low, verbalize the steps
- •Chapter 5 — Given an approach plate, identify the FAF, MAP, minimums, and missed procedure in under 60 seconds
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview of the instrument rating and IFR flight environment.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview of the instrument rating and IFR flight environment.
Key Topics
2Chapter 2: The Air Traffic Control System
ATC facilities, radar services, and the IFR system.
Chapter 2: The Air Traffic Control System
ATC facilities, radar services, and the IFR system.
Key Topics
3Chapter 3: Human Factors
Spatial disorientation, sensory illusions, and decision-making in IMC.
Chapter 3: Human Factors
Spatial disorientation, sensory illusions, and decision-making in IMC.
Key Topics
4Chapter 4: Basic Instrument Flying
Attitude instrument flying techniques, instrument cross-check, and fundamental maneuvers.
Chapter 4: Basic Instrument Flying
Attitude instrument flying techniques, instrument cross-check, and fundamental maneuvers.
Key Topics
5Chapter 5: Navigation Systems
VOR, NDB, DME, ILS, GPS, and RNAV systems.
Chapter 5: Navigation Systems
VOR, NDB, DME, ILS, GPS, and RNAV systems.
Key Topics
6Chapter 6: IFR Flight
IFR flight planning, clearances, departure, enroute, and arrival procedures.
Chapter 6: IFR Flight
IFR flight planning, clearances, departure, enroute, and arrival procedures.
Key Topics
7Chapter 7: Instrument Approaches
Precision and nonprecision approaches, circling approaches, and missed approaches.
Chapter 7: Instrument Approaches
Precision and nonprecision approaches, circling approaches, and missed approaches.
Key Topics
8Chapter 8: Emergency Operations
IFR emergencies, lost communications, and partial panel operations.
Chapter 8: Emergency Operations
IFR emergencies, lost communications, and partial panel operations.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Master the six-pack instrument scan before moving to navigation. If you cannot hold altitude, heading, and airspeed by reference to instruments, approach procedures will be overwhelming.
- Study holding patterns until you can determine the correct entry (direct, teardrop, parallel) in seconds. This is one of the most commonly failed checkride tasks.
- For ILS approaches, understand the full system: localizer, glideslope, marker beacons, and approach lighting. Know the DA/DH and when you must go missed.
- Practice lost-communications procedures (AVE-F for route, MEA rule for altitude) until they are automatic. This appears on every instrument knowledge test.
- Use the IFH in combination with the Instrument Procedures Handbook for a complete understanding of IFR operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Instrument Flying Handbook free?
Yes, the IFH is a free PDF available from FAA.gov. Download it at no cost.
Is the IFH sufficient for the instrument rating knowledge test?
The IFH covers most of the knowledge you need, but you should also study the AIM (especially Chapters 5 and 6), the Aviation Weather Handbook, and the Instrument Rating ACS to ensure complete preparation.
What is the difference between the IFH and the Instrument Procedures Handbook?
The IFH covers the fundamentals of instrument flight (attitude flying, navigation systems, basic procedures). The Instrument Procedures Handbook goes deeper into specific IFR procedures, approach chart interpretation, and advanced topics like RNAV/RNP approaches.
Is FAA-H-8083-15B the latest edition?
FAA-H-8083-15B was published in 2012. While it is the most recent published edition, always check FAA.gov for any updates or errata.
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- FAA-H-8083-15B
- Last Updated
- 2012
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
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Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
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