Definition
An official FAA publication that explains instrument flight procedures in detail, including departures, en route operations, arrivals, approaches, and the regulatory and operational requirements that apply to instrument-rated pilots. It is identified by the FAA document number FAA-H-8083-16 and serves as a primary reference for instrument pilots, flight instructors, and air carrier operations.
Plain English
An FAA handbook that teaches pilots how to fly safely using instruments, especially in clouds or low visibility. It covers takeoff, cruise, approach, and landing procedures when the pilot can't rely on looking outside.
Context Anchor
Seen when FAA material points the reader to a deeper explanation of instrument procedures, especially in performance, departure, and obstacle-clearance discussions.
Derivation
The document number breaks down as: FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), H (Handbook), 8083 (the FAA's series number for airman training handbooks), and 16 (the specific handbook within that series). The name itself is plain English -- a handbook of instrument procedures.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots and dispatchers use its procedures to ensure obstacle clearance and regulatory compliance during instrument operations.
Intuition Check
Do not read “instrument” here as just one cockpit gauge or a musical instrument. Here it means flying and navigating by aircraft instruments and published guidance when outside visual cues are not enough.
Example Sentence 1
For a deeper look at how air carriers meet obstacle clearance requirements on departure, the PHAK directs pilots to the Instrument Procedures Handbook.
Example Sentence 2
Before the checkride the instructor reviewed the latest changes published in the Instrument Procedures Handbook.