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
Related Aviation Checklists
- Pilot Medical Certificate Compliance and APHIS Checklist
- Aircraft Leasing and Dry Lease Compliance Checklist
- Aviation Preflight Aircraft Inspection Checklist
- Aircraft Preflight Inspection Checklist
- Parachute Operations and Skydiving Safety Checklist
- Aerobatic Flight Safety and Operations Checklist
- Airport Noise Abatement and Community Relations Checklist
- Aviation Fuel Farm Inspection and Safety Checklist
Related Flight Operations Checklists
- Aviation Preflight Aircraft Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Aircraft Preflight Inspection Checklist - FREE Download
- Airline Flight Dispatch and Release Checklist - FREE Download
- Helicopter Pre-Flight and Operations Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Aircraft Weight and Balance and Load Control Checklist - FREE Download
- Airline Pilot and Crew Fatigue and Rest Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Airline Operations Manual and Policy Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Charter Flight Operations and Part 135 Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Special Use Airspace and NOTAM Coordination Checklist - FREE Download
- ETOPS Extended Operations Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
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 does the IFR Instrument Flight Planning and Departure Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: IFR Weather Requirements, IFR Fuel Requirements, Departure Procedures, Enroute Planning, Approach Planning, IFR Records. It is designed for aviation operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 30-60 minutes.
Who should use this IFR Instrument Flight Planning and Departure Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Instrument-Rated Pilot / Flight Dispatcher professionals in the aviation industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.