# Rod’s IFR Pilot's Handbook > Comprehensive digital guide for pilots on instrument flying techniques and procedures. (iPhone/iPad app by Rod Machado.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-ifr-pilots-handbook/id399662879 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Rod Machado](https://appshunter.io/developer/399662353) - Category: Books, Education - Price: $49.99 - Rating: 4.20/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 13 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 253 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2010-11-05 - Data updated: 2026-08-31 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-ifr-pilots-handbook/id399662879/reviews.md ## What is Rod’s IFR Pilot's Handbook? Rod Machado’s Instrument Pilot’s Handbook – Second Edition, 626 full color pages Rod Machado's Instrument Pilot's Handbook is a teaching tour de force that takes pilots through the complex world of instrument flying. Long known for his unique ability to transform difficult concepts into simple-yet-complete explanations, Machado takes both new and experienced IFR pilots on a guided tour of instrument flying, from the basics through subtleties that even many professional pilots will find useful. He turns complexity into curiosity. Nearly 1,000 illustrations shine further light on the topic at hand. From how the basic aircraft instruments really work through what's inside a thunderstorm and how a GPS approach works, Machado teaches IFR pilots not just the minimum needed to pass the instrument pilot written exam, but every aspect of IFR flying. This up-to-date text covers the latest information on GPS, glass cockpits, data uplinks, computer-based resources, and other new (and future) technologies and techniques. It is also a rich source of practical information about how real pilots really fly IFR. Readers learn how to gauge the thunderstorm potential of a cumulus cloud by estimating the rainfall rate, scan their instruments in a way that provides maximum performance with minimum effort, and keep the needle centered during an ILS or LPV approach by using the sky pointer on the attitude indicator. There's flying by the book, and then there's flying by THIS book. Rod Machado's Instrument Pilot's Handbook is fun, thorough, and the next best thing to having Rod Machado sit by a pilot's side and talk him through each topic. Once again, Machado proves that you can have fun while learning what you need to know in order to fly safely. As a comprehensive information source book, these pages include: -Simplification of the FAA’s instrument scan concepts and an easy-to-use, cockpit-practical instrument scan technique -Latest information on aviation decision making for instrument pilots -Detailed understanding of analog and glass (PFD) flight instruments -Detailed procedures for planning an IFR cross-country flight -Easy to apply navigation methods for VOR, GPS, ADF and for flying approaches to LPV, LNAV, LNAV/VNAV minimums -Clear, down-to-earth explanations of pertinent FARs, including instrument currency, lost comm, alternate requirements, etc. -Step-by-step explanation of how instrument approach charts are constructed, including MDAs, DAs, procedure turns, etc. -Practical understanding of the IFR system, GPS procedures, icing and thunderstorm avoidance, NEXRAD, RADAR, etc. ## Key features - Simplified instrument scan techniques - Latest aviation decision-making info - Analog and glass flight instrument details - IFR cross-country flight planning - VOR, GPS, ADF navigation methods - Instrument approach chart explanations - IFR system, GPS, and weather avoidance ## Chart rankings - #103 in Top Paid · Book (US App Store) ## Recent user reviews (10 of 13) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-ifr-pilots-handbook/id399662879/reviews.md ### 4/5 — Great Book! *2021-05-01* However, the only problem have with this is that I cannot highlight and annotate. ### 4/5 — Fantastic Book, unparalleled explanations, but unable to highlight and annotate *2017-12-20* Fantastic Book, unparalleled explanations, but unable to highlight and annotate. That's the only downside. ### 2/5 — Why not just sell the book? *2016-11-08* First, this is almost pointless on an iPhone as it is too small to read. Second, while it could look nice on an iPad you cannot view it in portorat format so you are constently scrolling in order to read each page. In the end why have an app in order to view a book? Why not just sell this as a book in the iTunes book store? ### 2/5 — Merely a PDF with zero features *2013-05-10* No index, poor search function, cannot select, copy, or highlight text... What's the point of a text book if you can't highlight what's important to YOU for review. Very disappointed. ### 4/5 — Good job *2012-05-21* Glad I have the chance to keep this book on my phone for anytime studying. After reading several IFR handbooks, I find this one to be the easiest most straight forward, "this is how it actually happens" books to read on the subject. My only prob with it, as has been mentioned before, is that the book is just a miniature version of the actual book, and with the way he has wrapped so much of the writing around graphics, it makes it very difficult to read on an iPhone. I only suggest that the content gets squared up so that you can zoom and scroll down a column instead having to chase the writing all over the page. Other than that, I definitely would recommend this book as a first read on IFR and then read the the FAA books. It will make the FAA books make much more sense when you get to them. ### 4/5 — Great tool all around *2011-11-14* From reading Rod's materials, I have found that he has a good sense of humor in his writing. He is able to bring sometimes dull material to life with words. Rod is also able to take complex things that are hard to understand in the FAA terms, and write them in simple English allowing the student to better understand the material. Its great for reference while in the cockpit. The app is very nicely laid out so finding things is a breeze. You can search by chapter, page number, or by searching for keywords. The app allows you to bookmark some of your favorite pages for easy viewing. The only reason I do not give this five stars is because the app has such high resolution images, its very "jumpy" when switching pages. Its not a nice, clean swipe from page to page, especially when going from the front cover. Thanks Rod for the great reference tool!! ### 5/5 — The best reference out there *2011-11-14* I have taught hundreds of instrument students over the years, and I always recommend this text to my clients. Rod has a wonderful style of communicating; the books are easy to read, and he does a great job of keeping them up-to-date. You will find that he has packed a ton of great info into the pages. I use it regularly as a reference in my teaching. ### 5/5 — An wonderful resource to use alongside your flight planning software! *2011-11-12* I used Rod's app as my primary study guide while studying for my instrument written exam and scored 100%!!!! I now use the app on my iPad as a reference guide when I am looking at planning a trip somewhere I have not been to before. The App is loaded full of extra helpful tidbits that highlight important things you should know as an instrument pilot. If you are like me and hate looking at FAA manuals written in a black/white boring manner than Rod's book/app will bring a smile to your face. It is written in a colorful manner that brings home the point to many hard to understand topics. Thanks Rod for making this available on my iPad!! ### 5/5 — Highly Recommended for new IFR students and old pros alike! *2011-11-12* OK, first of all I just have to say that Rod Machado is one of my favorite personalities in aviation. If you ever get a chance to hear him speak, don't pass it up! Now on to the review. One of the most daunting tasks for new new (and old) pilots is organizing the seemingly endless sources of information from a multitude of publications. It is always nice to have one "go to" book to begin researching a specific topic (such as flying IFR). That is what I enjoy about Machados books. While the Instrument Pilots Handbook is not the only reference you will need as an instrument student, it does a wonderful job of laying MOST of the information out in a clear, easy to read, humorous book. How many of you have actually sat down and read the FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook? Be honest… It serves a purpose as a reference and source for information but it is not something most people will simply sit and read for entertainment! It also doesn't guide the instrument student through the ENTIRE process of earning an instrument rating like Machados book does so well. Machados Instrument Pilot Handbook is also a very ENJOYABLE book to read! I highly recommend this book to all instrument pilots and students! ### 2/5 — Speechless *2011-10-20* I have to admit this book is extremely annoying to read. The author has the most mindless sense of humor and nary a paragraph can pass without some juvenile rambling that is supposed to be funny. I wish I did not buy this as I prefer the dry FAA manual to this nonsense. ## Frequently asked questions about Rod’s IFR Pilot's Handbook ### What is Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook? Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook is a comprehensive digital book designed to teach pilots about instrument flying. It covers a wide range of topics from basic instrument operation to advanced navigation and weather avoidance techniques. ### How much does Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook cost? Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook is a paid application, priced at $49.99. This one-time purchase grants access to the full content of the handbook. ### What devices support Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook? Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. It is designed for Apple's mobile operating systems. ### How often is Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook updated? The latest version of Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook is 2.7, last updated on January 26, 2026. Updates typically focus on incorporating new aviation technologies and techniques. ### Is Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook suitable for beginners? Yes, the handbook is designed to take pilots from the basics through more complex aspects of instrument flying. Rod Machado is known for transforming difficult concepts into simple, complete explanations. ### Does Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook cover GPS approaches? Yes, it provides detailed understanding and navigation methods for GPS approaches, including LPV, LNAV, and LNAV/VNAV minimums. It also covers the latest information on GPS technology. ### What is the age rating for Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook? Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for a wide audience, though its content is specifically targeted towards aviation enthusiasts and pilots. ### Does Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook have ads? No, Rod's IFR Pilot's Handbook does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it offers an ad-free experience for users. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.7 — 2026-01-26 The book has been updated. ### 2.6 — 2023-07-18 Performance Improvements and Bug fixes. ### 2.5 — 2023-06-29 Performance Improvement and Fixed stability issues. ### 2.4 — 2023-01-20 Course Change ### 2.3 — 2020-04-22 In this update, I’ve added information or updates on the following items: - ICAO flight plan form and how to file this flight plan with the AFSS. - Standard and non-standard takeoff minimums. - Visual Climb Over the Airport (VCOA). - NOTAM Info (Pointer, SAA, Military). - Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFAs). - Performance Based Navigation (PBN and RNP). - Instrument currency requirements. - Use of ATDs and BATDs in training. - General updates to keep eBook current beyond 2020 ## Apps similar to Rod’s IFR Pilot's Handbook | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [KJV Bible Dictionary - Offline](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kjv-bible-dictionary-offline/id1332323920) | 4.7 (1,065) | Free | Books | | [Wuxiaworld - Online Novels](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/wuxiaworld-online-novels/id1503356244) | 3.9 (278) | Free | Books | | [Literati Kids](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/literati-kids/id1555772709) | 3.5 (48) | Free | Books | | [EEPP](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eepp/id6738688164) | 4.8 (21) | Free | Books | | [ASA Library](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/asa-library/id6449281063) | 1.7 (45) | Free | Books | | [Audiobooks Now Audio Books](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/audiobooks-now-audio-books/id558525346) | 4.1 (431) | Free | Books | ## More apps by Rod Machado - [Rod's Private Pilot Handbook](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-private-pilot-handbook/id399662350) - [Rod’s Private Pilot Workbook](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-private-pilot-workbook/id399662656) - [Rod's IFR Survival Manual](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-ifr-survival-manual/id399663113) - [Rod's Aviation Book Samples](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-aviation-book-samples/id400613906) - [Rod’s How to Fly Handbook](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-how-to-fly-handbook/id805399932) All apps by Rod Machado: https://appshunter.io/developer/399662353 --- *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 2026-08-31.*