IFR is short for Instrument Flight Rules. Under IFR, pilots use instruments to navigate without visual reference to the ground. Because IFR allows pilots to fly without being able to see outside, air traffic control (ATC) plays an important role in keeping aircraft safely separated from hazards. As a result, all pilots flying IFR follow a series of structured rules and procedures to ensure they fly safely, without being able to see terrain or other aircraft that would typically be avoided visually.
You can use many options when it comes to planning your IFR flight. There are paid programs such as Navigraph or free browser based software such as Simbrief to name a couple.
You can use Microsoft Flight Simulator to create your IFR flight by going to World Map and selecting your Departure and Destination Airports and selecting either “IFR (Low-altitude-airways)” or "IFR (High-altitude-airways).
Tutorial videos (made by the community):
- How Do You Create Flight Plans in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020?
- Take Your FLIGHT PLANNING To The Next Level | IFR
- Intro to Instrument Flying (Part 1)
- Instrument Flying (Part 2) RNAV Departures
- Instrument Flying (Part 3) Obstacle Departures
- Instrument Flying (Part 4) VOR Approach
- Instrument Flying (Part 5) Missed Approaches
- How To Fly A Circle-To-Land | Instrument Flying (IFR)