Flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in a flight simulator replicates the real-world discipline of navigating solely by reference to instruments. This expanded guide walks you through every phase of a full IFR flight—from preflight planning to engine shutdown—equipping you with practical steps to build confidence and precision.

Preflight Planning and Preparation

Thorough preflight planning separates a smooth IFR flight from a confusing one. In simulation, this means gathering the right charts, setting realistic weather, and configuring the aircraft properly.

Review Weather and NOTAMs

Set weather conditions that match your skill level. For practice, choose marginal VFR or IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions). Check simulated NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) if your sim platform provides them, and note any closed runways or navaid outages.

  • Identify departure and destination airports, alternate airports, and en‑route waypoints.
  • Note winds aloft to calculate fuel burn and time en route.
  • Ensure the weather minimums for your chosen approach are met.

Gather Charts and Plates

Download or open the appropriate charts: low‑altitude en‑route charts, Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs), and approach plates. For US operations, refer to the FAA’s digital charts; for Europe, use AIS or VATSIM resources. Keep them accessible on a second monitor or tablet.

  • Study the SID for your departure runway to avoid terrain and airspace conflicts.
  • Select a STAR that transitions to your arrival airport’s approach.
  • Review the chosen approach plate (ILS, VOR, RNAV, etc.) including missed‑approach procedure.

Aircraft Configuration and Systems Check

Load the aircraft with realistic fuel and payload. Simulate a pre‑flight inspection: verify avionics settings, autopilot functionality, and flight director modes. Set your altimeter to the departure field elevation (or local barometric pressure).

  • Enter the flight plan into the FMC or GPS database.
  • Verify navigation radios (VOR, ILS, DME) are tuned to correct frequencies.
  • Confirm transponder code is set to the assigned squawk (e.g., 1200 for VFR, later changed to IFR code).
  • Check that all required systems (ice protection, pitot heat, anti‑ice) are operational for the weather.

Departure and Initial Climb

With your plan loaded, it’s time to execute the departure phase under IFR.

Getting Your Clearance

Contact ATC (or use the sim’s built‑in radio system) to request your IFR clearance. In many simulators, you can use the ATC panel or a service like VATSIM. Your clearance should include: cleared to destination, route (via SID or airway), initial altitude, departure frequency, and squawk code. Read it back and set the transponder.

Taxi and Pre‑Takeoff Checks

Taxi to the assigned runway using the airport diagram. Perform your final checklists: trim set, mixture rich (or fuel settings), landing lights on, strobes on, flight controls free. Confirm that your navigation source (GPS or VOR) is selected and that the flight director is set to follow the departure.

Takeoff in IMC

When cleared for takeoff, apply full power and monitor engine instruments. Rotate at the designated Vr and follow the prescribed departure path. In low visibility, rely on the attitude indicator and heading bug. Once airborne, engage the autopilot (typically above 400 ft AGL or as recommended in the POH).

  • Cross‑check altitude, heading, and vertical speed constantly.
  • Follow the SID lateral and vertical profile; ATC may amend altitude early.
  • After passing the departure end of the runway, switch to departure control frequency.

En‑Route Navigation

This is the longest phase, where you manage the flight plan, communicate with ATC, and handle any unexpected events.

Staying on the Planned Route

Use your GPS, FMC, or VOR/DME to track waypoints and airways. Monitor cross‑track error and adjust heading to remain within the airway width. If using VORs, identify the station and set the OBS to the inbound or outbound radial. For GPS, verify that the active leg matches the cleared route.

ATC Communications and Procedures

If flying with live ATC (e.g., VATSIM, PilotEdge), practice standard phraseology:

  • Report position at compulsory reporting points (e.g., “Reno Approach, N12345, passing Avenal VOR at 9000, estimating Panoche at 07”).
  • Acknowledge altitude changes and frequency transfers.
  • Request deviations for weather or traffic avoidance if needed.

In single‑player sims without ATC, simulate these communications to maintain discipline. Always note your current and next altitude in the cockpit display.

Monitoring Fuel and Systems

Calculate fuel burn against your flight plan every 15–30 minutes. Check oil temperature, alternator voltage, and any abnormal annunciations. In icing conditions, use anti‑ice/de‑ice systems proactively.

Descent and Approach Briefing

About 50–70 nm from your destination, begin your descent and brief the approach.

Setting Up for the Descent

Request descent clearance from ATC or start descending according to the STAR profile. Set the altimeter to the destination’s barometric pressure. Adjust airspeed to approach limits, and configure the aircraft for approach (e.g., flaps up until below Vfe).

The Approach Briefing

Brief the arrival and approach using a structured outline. For example:

  • Approach type: ILS 27R
  • Frequencies: LOC 111.10, glide slope 111.10, missed‑approach altitude 3000 ft
  • Decision Altitude / Minimum Descent Altitude: 200 ft for ILS
  • Missed‑approach procedure: Climb straight ahead to 3000 ft, turn right to XYZ, hold

If flying an RNAV (GPS) approach, confirm the approach is in the database and that the waypoint sequence matches the plate.

Contacting Approach Control

Switch to approach control frequency and follow their vectors. They may vector you to intercept the final approach course (ILS localizer) or give you a clearance for a straight‑in approach. Confirm the identified station: listen for the Morse code identifier or check the NAV flags.

Executing the Landing

The most critical phase—staying on the glideslope and localizer until landing or executing a missed approach.

Final Approach Configuration

Once cleared for the approach, set landing gear down, flaps to landing setting (e.g., full flaps for a light aircraft). Arm the approach mode on the autopilot (APPR) or hand‑fly with reference to the cross‑pointer display. Maintain the target approach speed (Vref + wind correction).

Monitoring Throughout the Descent

Cross‑check the attitude indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed. The glideslope indicator should remain centered. At decision altitude (DA) for an ILS, you need the required visual references (runway lights or markings) to continue below DA. In a simulator with poor visibility, practice a missed approach if you cannot see the runway.

Touchdown and Rollout

Flare gently, reduce power to idle, and keep the aircraft aligned with the centerline using rudder. After main gear touchdown, lower the nose and apply brakes smoothly. If crosswind, use aileron into the wind and opposite rudder. Disable the autopilot before landing if engaged—most real‑world guidance recommends hand‑flying from 500 ft AGL or through the flare.

Post‑Flight Procedures

Once you vacate the runway, taxi to parking according to the airport diagram. Complete the after‑landing checklists: flaps up, cowl flaps open (if applicable), transponder to standby or VFR, fuel pumps off. If you used ATC, close your IFR flight plan.

Take a moment to review the flight. What went well? Did you catch altitude deviations? Could you have briefed the approach more clearly? Log your flight in a notebook or spreadsheet to track progress.

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

  • Rushing the clearance: Always copy down the full clearance and read it back. Missing a route fix can lead to a deviation.
  • Ignoring the approach plate: Study the missed‑approach procedure and the boundaries of the approach. Know where the glide slope intercept is supposed to happen.
  • Forgetting to tune the correct navaid: Verify frequencies and identify the station (listening for Morse code or cross‑checking with GPS) to avoid flying a false glide slope.
  • Over‑reliance on autopilot: Practice hand‑flying approaches in simulated IMC to develop raw‑data skills.

Resources for Practicing IFR in Simulation

To deepen your knowledge, explore these external references:

By practicing each phase deliberately, you transform your sim sessions into effective training. A well‑executed IFR flight from start to finish builds the muscle memory and decision‑making skills that carry over to real‑world instruments—or simply deeper satisfaction with your virtual cockpit.