IFR Instrument Flight Planning and Departure Checklist
This IFR instrument flight planning and departure checklist ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 91.167 (IFR Fuel Requirements), FAA 91.169 (IFR Flight Plan Requirements), FAA 91.185 (IFR Operations in Controlled Airspace - Two-Way Communications Failure), and FAA instrument procedure database currency requirements. Designed for instrument-rated pilots conducting thorough IFR pre-flight planning.
- Industry: Aviation
- Frequency: Per Event
- Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes
- Role: Instrument-Rated Pilot / Flight Dispatcher
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FAA 14 CFR 91.167 IFR Fuel Requirements, FAA 14 CFR 91.169 IFR Flight Plan Requirements, FAA 14 CFR 91.173 ATC Clearance and Flight Plan Required, FAA AIM Chapter 5 ATC Procedures for IFR Flight, ICAO Doc 4444 PANS-ATM IFR Procedures
IFR Weather Requirements
IFR weather minimums and alternates.
- Standard IFR weather briefing obtained?
- Destination airport forecast above IFR alternate minimums at ETA +/- 1 hour?
- If alternate required, alternate forecast meets alternate minimums?
- PIREPs for turbulence, icing, and conditions reviewed?
- SIGMETs reviewed for convective and severe weather?
IFR Fuel Requirements
IFR fuel reserve compliance.
- Fuel sufficient to fly to destination at planned route?
- Fuel sufficient to fly from destination to alternate (if required)?
- Fuel includes 45-minute IFR reserve at normal cruise?
- Additional fuel for expected holds and delays included?
- Actual fuel on board verified by fuel receipt or dipstick?
Departure Procedures
SID and departure procedure review.
- Standard Instrument Departure (SID) procedure reviewed if expected?
- Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) reviewed for departure airport?
- Takeoff minimums reviewed for departure airport and runway?
- ATIS obtained and runway/conditions noted?
- IFR clearance obtained and read back correctly?
Enroute Planning
Enroute chart and procedure review.
- IFR enroute charts current (28-day cycle)?
- Approach plates for destination and alternate current?
- Comm and nav frequencies loaded for route?
- MEAs, MORAs, and MSAs reviewed for route terrain?
- Lost communications procedures reviewed per FAR 91.185?
Approach Planning
Destination approach preparation.
- Planned approach briefed (type, minimums, missed approach)?
- Decision Altitude or MDA and visibility minimums noted?
- Missed approach procedure reviewed and holding fuel calculated?
- Navaid status (ILS/VOR/RNAV) verified via NOTAM?
- Alternate approach identified if primary approach unavailable?
IFR Records
IFR flight documentation.
- IFR flight plan filed and received confirmation?
- Preflight action documented per FAA 91.103?
- Passengers briefed on seatbelts, exits, and oxygen?
- Tech log/squawk sheets reviewed for open items?
- IFR Flight Planning Notes
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Why Use This IFR Instrument Flight Planning and Departure Checklist?
This ifr instrument flight planning and departure checklist helps aviation teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for instrument-rated pilot / flight dispatcher professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.
Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR 91.167 IFR Fuel Requirements, FAA 14 CFR 91.169 IFR Flight Plan Requirements, FAA 14 CFR 91.173 ATC Clearance and Flight Plan Required, FAA AIM Chapter 5 ATC Procedures for IFR Flight, ICAO Doc 4444 PANS-ATM IFR Procedures. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a IFR Instrument Flight Planning and Departure Checklist?
A IFR Instrument Flight Planning and Departure Checklist is a standardized inspection form used by instrument-rated pilot / flight dispatcher to ensure consistent aviation operations. It contains 35 inspection points organized into 6 sections. FREE IFR instrument flight planning departure checklist PDF. FAA 14 CFR Part 91.167, IFR fuel reserves, alternate airport filing, departure procedure compliance. 35+ IFR planning checks. Download FREE template now.
How often should I use this aviation checklist?
This checklist is designed to be completed per event. Regular use ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR 91.167 IFR Fuel Requirements and FAA 14 CFR 91.169 IFR Flight Plan Requirements and helps identify issues before they become problems.
Can I download this IFR Instrument Flight Planning and Departure Checklist as a PDF?
Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 35 fields across 6 sections and typically takes 30-60 minutes to complete.
What compliance standards does this checklist cover?
This checklist helps ensure compliance with FAA 14 CFR 91.167 IFR Fuel Requirements, FAA 14 CFR 91.169 IFR Flight Plan Requirements, FAA 14 CFR 91.173 ATC Clearance and Flight Plan Required, FAA AIM Chapter 5 ATC Procedures for IFR Flight, ICAO Doc 4444 PANS-ATM IFR Procedures. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.
How do I complete this aviation inspection checklist?
Begin by completing the header fields for Pilot Name / Instrument Rating #, Planned Departure Date/Time (UTC), Filed Route, Aircraft Registration / Equipment Suffix, and Planned Cruise Altitude. Work through each of the 6 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. The entire process takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
What are the key sections in this aviation checklist?
This aviation checklist is organized into 6 key sections: IFR Weather Requirements, IFR Fuel Requirements, Departure Procedures, Enroute Planning, Approach Planning, IFR Records. Each section contains specific inspection points that instrument-rated pilot / flight dispatcher must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during aviation inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 30-60 minutes to complete.
Who should use this IFR Instrument Flight Planning and Departure Checklist?
This checklist is primarily designed for instrument-rated pilot / flight dispatcher working in aviation operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that aviation standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this IFR Instrument Flight Planning and Departure Checklist to maintain consistency and accountability.