Plain English Meaning

It is when a pilot flying by looking outside accidentally flies into cloud, fog, or other weather that hides the horizon, and now has to fly using only the cockpit instruments to stay safe.

Full Definition

Inadvertent instrument meteorological conditions describe the situation in which a pilot operating under visual flight rules unintentionally enters weather conditions that no longer permit flight by outside visual reference, requiring an immediate transition to flight solely by reference to the instruments.

Context Anchor

Seen in , -making, and discussions of what to do if unexpectedly into .