This handbook supersedes FAA-H-8261-16A, Instrument Procedures Handbook, dated 2015. It is designed as a technical reference for all pilots who operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) in the National Airspace System (NAS). It expands and updates information contained in the FAA-H-8083-15B, Instrument Flying Handbook, and introduces advanced information for IFR operations. Instrument flight instructors, instrument pilots, and instrument students will also find this handbook a valuable resource since it is used as a reference for the Airline Transport Pilot and Instrument Knowledge Tests and for the Practical Test Standards. It also provides detailed coverage of instrument charts and procedures including IFR takeoff, departure, en route, arrival, approach, and landing. Safety information covering relevant subjects such as runway incursion, land and hold short operations, controlled flight into terrain, and human factors issues also are included.

This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The discussion and explanations reflect the most commonly used instrument procedures. Occasionally, the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve pilots of their responsibility imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).

It is essential for persons using this handbook to also become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The CFR, AIM, this handbook, AC 00-2.15, Advisory Circular Checklist, which transmits the current status of FAA advisory circulars, and other FAA technical references are available via the internet at the FAA Home Page http://www.faa.gov. Information regarding the purchase of FAA subscription aeronautical navigation products, such as charts, Chart Supplements (including the Airport/Facility Directory), and other publications can be accessed at http://faacharts.faa.gov.

This handbook is available for download, in PDF format, from the FAA’s Regulations and Policies website at:

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/instrument_procedures_handbook/

This handbook is published by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Technologies Division.

Comments regarding this publication should be sent, in email form, to the following address: 9-AWA-AFS400-Coord@faa.gov.

John Barbagello for John S. Duncan

Executive Director, Flight Standards Service

09/14/2017