# Instrument Flying Handbook — Valuable and Handy Reference

> FAA Instrument Rating exam reference text with detailed flight procedures and knowledge. (iPhone/iPad app by Calculated Industries.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instrument-flying-handbook/id351802199 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Calculated Industries](https://appshunter.io/developer/370406449)
- Category: Reference, Books
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 111 App Store ratings · 30 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.3 · 80 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2010-01-28
- Data updated: 2026-09-09
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instrument-flying-handbook/id351802199/reviews.md

## What is Instrument Flying Handbook?

Instrument Flying Handbook is the primary reference text for the Instrument Rating FAA Knowledge Exam and includes hundreds of pages of content.  Instrument Flying Handbook is now updated with high resolution graphics and support for retina displays on the iPad and iPhone.

Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) is designed for use by instrument flight instructors and pilots preparing for instrument rating tests. Instructors find this handbook a valuable training aid as it includes basic reference material for knowledge testing and instrument flight training. 

 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. 

All of the aeronautical knowledge and skills required to operate in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) are detailed.   Chapters are dedicated to 
+ National Airspace System (NAS)
+ Air traffic control (ATC) system
+ Human and aerodynamic factors affecting instrument flight 
+ Flight instruments, attitude instrument flying for airplanes
+ Basic flight maneuvers used in IMC
+ Attitude instrument flying for helicopters
+ Navigation systems 
+ Instrument flight rules (IFR) flight procedures
+ IFR emergencies
+ Clearance shorthand 
+ An integrated instrument lesson guide

## Key features

- FAA Knowledge Exam preparation
- High-resolution graphics
- Retina display support
- Covers National Airspace System
- Details Air Traffic Control system
- Explains human and aerodynamic factors
- Covers flight instruments and maneuvers

## Recent user reviews (10 of 30)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/instrument-flying-handbook/id351802199/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Easy Access

*2018-11-13, version 4.1.0*

Good and quick reference tool.

### 3/5 — Illustration

*2018-01-06*

This textbook has not much of pictures to explain the most complicated sections

### 4/5 — Dustaviatr78

*2017-08-18, version 4.1.0*

Handy, complete, and beats lugging a book around.

### 4/5 — Ifr

*2017-07-30, version 4.1.0*

Good reference tool

### 5/5 — Excellent App!

*2016-03-26, version 4.0*

Many features, really good for ifr ground school training! Highly recommended.

### 5/5 — I like it

*2016-02-08, version 4.0*

My only complaint is that you cannot highlight anything. But, you can favorite a page, so its not that big of a deal.

### 5/5 — Hard To Beleive

*2015-02-09, version 3.20*

After starting my IFR flight training I knew I needed to get hot on my ground skills too. After several hours of research and reading countless reviews of the various IFR apps on the market, I decided on this one. 

After using it now for about three weeks, I find hard to believe how much information and functionality this apps contains. 

The only thing I'd like to see in an update or new build is the ability to print from the app..

CUDOS and keep up the great work guys!

### 5/5 — Well worth the price for free information.

*2014-11-22, version 3.20*

The information is free from the FAA. However this app is worth paying for especially if you're an instrument student. The author has made an app which organizes the contents very well. The tape feature is fantastic to keep handy key points.

### 4/5 — Instrument Flying Handbook

*2014-09-04, version 3.20*

I wasn't sure whether to buy the cheaper version of this book or just spend the extra dollar on this. I looked at both details about it and decided this was worth the extra dollar. 
It has worked out really well so far. 
I only have two complaints and they are minor of course. 
The first being that it would be nice if you could highlight and save certain paragraphs or sentences rather than having to "favorite" the whole page. 
Also, if you leave the app momentarily and use something else on the iPad, and want to go back and continue reading the same page it won't allow you to scroll down. The solution for this is that you simply have to click to the previous or next page and then go back to the page you wanted and it resets it in a way. 
Other than that the app is great. I'm sure that minor bug will be fixed momentarily. 
All in all, I would recommend this app.

### 5/5 — Useful

*2014-07-07, version 3.20*

Good app.  Easy to reference material and easy to understand.  I refer to it regularly while studying or reviewing.

## Frequently asked questions about Instrument Flying Handbook

### What is the Instrument Flying Handbook app?

The Instrument Flying Handbook app is a digital version of the primary reference text for the Instrument Rating FAA Knowledge Exam. It contains hundreds of pages of detailed content covering all aspects of instrument flight and aeronautical knowledge required for pilots.

### What topics are covered in the app?

The app covers a wide range of topics essential for instrument flight, including the National Airspace System, air traffic control, human and aerodynamic factors, flight instruments, basic maneuvers in IMC, navigation systems, IFR flight procedures, and emergency situations.

### Is this app suitable for beginners?

While the app is designed as a primary reference for those preparing for the Instrument Rating FAA Knowledge Exam, it provides a comprehensive overview of instrument flying concepts. It can serve as a valuable study aid for pilots seeking to understand instrument flight procedures and regulations.

### What devices is this app compatible with?

The app is designed for use on iPad and iPhone devices, supporting retina displays for high-resolution graphics. This ensures a clear and detailed visual experience for users.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.1.4 — 2021-12-02

Fix to share feature

### 4.1.3 — 2021-10-06

Under the cover revision

### 4.1.2 — 2020-07-10

* Added back button

### 4.1.1 — 2020-06-25

* Fixed minor problems with iOS13

### 4.1.0 — 2017-07-02

* Updated for compatibility with iOS 10 and above.
* Improved usability and sharing.

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All apps by Calculated Industries: https://appshunter.io/developer/370406449

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-09.*
