IFR Rules, Clearances and En Route

IFR currency and privileges

An instrument rating allows flight under IFR in IMC. Recent experience and a current medical and flight review are required. IFR flight must comply with 14 CFR Part 91 Subpart B and applicable equipment rules (91.205(d)).

Clearances and CRAFT

Expect clearance limit, route, altitude, frequency and transponder code. Read back heading, altitude, speed and runway assignments. Clearance void times and release procedures apply at non-towered airports.

En route navigation

Fly assigned altitudes; know minimum en route altitudes (MEA) and MOCA on low-altitude airways. GPS overlay and RNAV routes require RAIM availability checks where applicable.

Holding

Standard holding uses right turns. Timing: at or below 14,000 ft, one-minute legs; above, one-and-a-half minutes. Use teardrop, parallel or direct entry based on inbound heading. Wind correction is critical to stay within protected airspace.