Preface This Instrument Flying Handbook is designed for use by instrument flight instructors and pilots preparing for instrument  rating tests. Instructors may find this handbook a valuable training aid as it includes basic reference material for knowledge  testing and instrument flight training. Other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications should be consulted for  more detailed information on related topics. This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the FAA. There are different ways of  teaching, as well as performing, flight procedures and maneuvers and many variations in the explanations of aerodynamic  theories and principles. This handbook adopts selected methods and concepts for instrument flying. The discussion and  explanations reflect the most commonly used practices and principles. 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  a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). All of the aeronautical knowledge and skills required to operate in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) are detailed.  Chapters are dedicated to human and aerodynamic factors affecting instrument flight, the flight instruments, attitude instrument  flying for airplanes, basic flight maneuvers used in IMC, attitude instrument flying for helicopters, navigation systems, the  National Airspace System (NAS), the air traffic control (ATC) system, instrument flight rules (IFR) flight procedures, and  IFR emergencies. Clearance shorthand and an integrated instrument lesson guide are also included. This handbook supersedes FAA-H-8081-15A, Instrument Flying Handbook, dated 2007. This handbook may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, United States Government Printing Office (GPO),  Washington, DC 20402-9325, or from GPO's website. http://bookstore.gpo.gov This handbook is also available for download, in PDF format, from the Regulatory Support Division’s (AFS-600) website. http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afs/afs600 This handbook is published by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman  Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Comments regarding this publication should be sent, in email form, to the following address. AFS630comments@faa.gov iii