Customer Reviews

Ifr - Instrument Flight Rating

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IFR is one of several Belvoir aviation publications (Aviation Consumer, IFR pilot, light plane maintenance...) and retains their fine blend of humor and practicality. The assumption is the reader either has an IFR rating or is well-on her way.

Each issue has a general theme, often related to the season. For example, a recent issue explored zero-zero (no visibility, ceiling) takeoffs, as would be observed if a field were socked in with a 50' thick layer at ground-level. It's perfectly legal for part 91 (general aviation) flying, but often neglected as an option. Included in the article are legal considerations and ways of mitigating risk.

The monthly columns are also fun. Two of my favorites:
IFR quiz -- related to the primary topic of that issue, the quiz involves a combination of interpreting ATC regulations, navigation, chart symbiology and the realities of IFR flying. These are invaluable because you learn about the *intent* behind the presentation.

On the Air -- the aviator's equivalent of bloopers.

Great pulp. Get a better price by joining AOPA. $24 for 12 issues.

This monthly magazine has many real world tips and articles on flying IFR safely written by people who fly and know the systems, procedures and methods. I have been a sbiscriber for years and as long as I'm flying, I'll keep reading IFR.

This magazine is ford those who have (or are close to getting ) their instrument rating. It features very practical discussions about how to operate in the system. It is easy to find books that explain the rules or AIM but this goes behind the scenes to explain how controllers look at situations and how they can (and sometimes can not) help. The editor is Paul Berge an ex controller and CFII who has a dry wit and is fairly quick to be critical or complimentary to ATC and the FAA as appropriate. He does a great job of explaining how "the other side" thinks and how to get the most out of the system.