SkeyeMentor Study Collection

Instrument Essentials

Core IFR regulations for the Instrument Rating

A SkeyeMentor-curated set of the regulations instrument students work with most. This is a study grouping, not an FAA requirement list — always read the official text.

Instrument rating and currency

§ 61.3Requirement for certificates, ratings, privileges, and authorizations
§ 61.57Recent flight experience: Pilot in command
§ 61.65Instrument rating requirements

IFR flight rules

§ 91.167Fuel requirements for flight in IFR conditions
§ 91.169IFR flight plan: Information required
§ 91.171VOR equipment check for IFR operations
§ 91.173ATC clearance and flight plan required
§ 91.175Takeoff and landing under IFR
§ 91.177Minimum altitudes for IFR operations
§ 91.179IFR cruising altitude or flight level
§ 91.180Operations within airspace designated as Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum airspace
§ 91.181Course to be flown
§ 91.183IFR communications
§ 91.185IFR operations: Two-way radio communications failure
§ 91.187Operation under IFR in controlled airspace: Malfunction reports
§ 91.189Category II and III operations: General operating rules

IFR equipment and inspections

§ 91.205Powered civil aircraft with standard U.S. airworthiness certificates: Instrument and equipment requirements
§ 91.211Supplemental oxygen
§ 91.213Inoperative instruments and equipment
§ 91.215ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use
§ 91.411Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections
§ 91.413ATC transponder tests and inspections

Preflight and operating limitations

§ 91.103Preflight action
§ 91.121Altimeter settings
§ 91.123Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions
§ 91.155Basic VFR weather minimums
§ 91.157Special VFR weather minimums

Other collections

Private Pilot Essentials Commercial Essentials Instructor Essentials 50 Regulations Every Private Pilot Should Know Most Misunderstood

SkeyeMentor FAA Library is an educational reference and study aid. Regulatory and FAA materials can change. SkeyeMentor provides links and contextual explanations to help pilots study, but users should verify current requirements through official FAA, eCFR and other applicable government sources before relying on them operationally. SkeyeMentor explanations are educational and are not legal advice.