Guide to IFR Flight Planning

What is IFR Flight Planning?

For pilots flying under instrument flight rules (IFR) it is essential that they understand the IFR flight planning process. A detailed flight plan is required for every flight, as operating under IFR allows pilots to fly primarily with reference to their cockpit instruments. This requires extra training and differs from visual flight rules (VFR), under which pilots navigate using visual cues from outside the aircraft. A VFR flight offers more freedom to pilots as plans only need to be submitted in certain circumstances. Pilots commonly operate under IFR when a flight route will involve adverse weather conditions, where vision is likely to be restricted and the horizon obscured. IFR flight planning ensures that pilots can be alerted of situations likely to require extra attention, rescuers can be alerted to an aircraft's likely location should it encounter trouble and that air traffic control can track and monitor routes. For a pilot to fly under IFR, it is almost always required that they possess an instrument rating. The rules do vary somewhat in UK airspace however.

Do VFR Flights Need Planning?

There are certain circumstances when a VFR flight plan does need to be submitted. A flight plan should be filed if the aircraft will be crossing international borders and air traffic control should be contacted as the crossing is taking place. In the majority of cases, however, a VFR flight plan is not required. This differs from IFR flight planning as visual meteorological conditions are usually less dangerous to fly through, because visibility will not be restricted. Filing a flight plan is recommended when flying over dangerous terrain so as to assist with search and rescue should it be necessary.

Submitting IFR Flight Planning Documents

As pilots are often required to operate under IFR during adverse weather conditions, IFR flight planning documents need to be detailed to ensure safety for the aircrafts. As these flights will be reliant on instruments in the cockpit, various factors need to be analysed and recorded when IFR flight planning. The forecasted meteorological conditions, route plan, flight altitudes and fuel needs all need to be considered as part of the IFR flight planning process. Completed flight plans are usually submitted to the departure tower at the aerodrome where the flight is scheduled to depart from. An alternative to this often lengthy procedure is to use an online company. These offer route suggestions allowing you to conduct your IFR flight planning automatically on their websites and then submit when completed.