Definition
An FAA publication (FAA-H-8083-15) that provides the foundational knowledge required for pilots flying under instrument flight rules, covering instrument systems, procedures, navigation, and the skills needed to control an aircraft solely by reference to cockpit instruments.
Plain English
A free FAA book that teaches pilots how to fly safely when they cannot see outside the aircraft and must rely entirely on the cockpit instruments.
Context Anchor
You will see this title in lists of FAA handbooks and when studying for instrument flight training.
Derivation
"Instrument flying" refers to controlling the aircraft by reading cockpit instruments rather than looking outside. "Handbook" comes from Old English, meaning a small book kept at hand for reference. Together, the title signals a practical reference for flying without outside visual cues.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots rely on it to develop the knowledge and procedures needed for safe flight in instrument meteorological conditions and to pass the instrument rating practical test.
Intuition Check
Do not read instrument here as a musical instrument or as just any tool. In this title, instrument means the cockpit displays and gauges a pilot uses to fly when the outside view is not enough.
Example Sentence 1
Before her instrument rating checkride, she reviewed the Instrument Flying Handbook to refresh her understanding of holding patterns and approach procedures.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors often assign chapters from the Instrument Flying Handbook to build a student’s understanding of partial-panel operations.