# Rod's IFR Survival Manual

> Instrument pilot's guide to survival, education, and proficiency in IFR flight. (iPhone/iPad app by Rod Machado.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-ifr-survival-manual/id399663113 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Rod Machado](https://appshunter.io/developer/399662353)
- Category: Books, Education
- Price: $29.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 106 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2010-11-05
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-ifr-survival-manual/id399663113/reviews.md

## What is Rod's IFR Survival Manual?

Rod Machado’s Instrument Pilot’s Survival Manual – Third Edition, 509 full color pages

Rod Machado's Instrument Pilot's Survival Manual is written to answer the instrument pilot's most important and frequently unanswered questions. Illustrated with humorous drawings and containing some of the most spectacular reports of pilots confronted by the problems of instrument flight, Rod’s manual is sure to educate and entertain you. Written in a humorous style, this book will prepare you to be a more educated and proficient pilot. Excellent for any IFR student, experienced professional pilot or as an IFR refresher.

For less than the price of one hour's worth of flight instructor’s time, you will learn the following:

-How To Think Like a Professional Pilot - Learn how professional instrument pilots think and how to mimic their thinking style. Understand how to better guide your behavior during instrument flight by developing useful, self-talk dialogues. Develop the big picture mentality and understand how to anticipate and plan for change while flying IFR.

-A Unique Three Step Method of Instrument Scanning - There is a practical method for scanning instruments (analog or PFD) that will save you time and energy while making each flight more enjoyable. This simple three step technique is easy to learn, and valuable for experienced professionals as well as beginning IFR students.

-A Simple Approach to Understanding Holding Pattern Entries - Holding has been the nemesis of instrument pilots ever since they began flying in the clouds. This book contains a step-by-step process for flying holds along with four sure-fire methods for entering a holding pattern.

-How to Avoid the Hazardous Weather of Thunderstorms and Icing - Learn the difference between convective clouds that are a threat to your airplane from those that aren’t. You’ll also learn how to use radar reflectivity values and NEXRAD radar as well as the weather radar capabilities of Center and Approach Control to make better weather decisions.

-New Ways of Thinking About the IFR System and Managing Cockpit Resources - Make sense of how IFR flight plans are generated and what you can do to operate in the IFR system with greater ease and comfort. Learn how to utilize the ATC system as your copilot and better manage cockpit resources.

-Secrets of Using NACO and Jeppesen IFR Charts - Discover charting symbols that will make a world of difference in flying IFR with comfort and confidence. Learn about IFR obstacle departure procedures, procedure turns, approach segments, chart traps for the unwary pilot, how charting symbology can help you determine in-flight visibility at DA and MDA and much more.

-WAAS GPS (RNAV) Approaches - Learn how WAAS-based RNAV(GPS) approaches are constructed and how they differ from non-GPS approaches. Learn the inner workings of your GPS and how to use it to fly WAAS-GPS approaches. Understand the reasons why CDI sensitivity changes, Leg vs. OBS Mode, flight plans, waypoint auto-sequencing, LPV minimums and much more.

## Key features

- Professional pilot thinking strategies
- Three-step instrument scanning method
- Holding pattern entry techniques
- Thunderstorm and icing avoidance
- IFR system and resource management
- NACO and Jeppesen chart secrets
- WAAS GPS (RNAV) approach guidance

## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-ifr-survival-manual/id399663113/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Seriously...

*2015-10-27, version 1.2*

...a great app and learned a lot! The chapter on scanning your instruments was worth the price of the app itself! Thank you!

### 5/5 — IFR Survival

*2012-11-14, version 1*

As an IFR student pilot, I am convinced this book helps to put the many IFR details into proper focus that are difficult to grasp with other FAA instrument books.  It's fun to read AND more importantly, easy to digest.  The fear factor is gone!  Now I look at each flight lesson with greater confidence and understanding.

### 5/5 — One of the best books for IFR Training and Refresher

*2012-10-17, version 1*

I love this book. I have the hardcover book at home. The iPad version allows me to read it when I am sitting around waiting on a student or waiting for the weather to get better. Rod adds his sense of humor to the book and it makes for enjoyable reading.

### 5/5 — A real gem from Rod

*2011-11-11, version 1*

I'm sure I am like many pilots in that I have several bookshelves filled with aviation books, magazines, and flight manuals.  I always wish I had more time to search for pearls of wisdom from my library, but I'm just too busy, and it is tough lugging those books on work trips.  When I saw that Rod was publishing his flight training manuals as electronic editions on the App Store, the Instrument Pilot's Survival Manual became the ideal choice.  Since loading it, I have spent many hours refreshing my knowledge of deep instrument flying content, but spreading it out when my busy schedule permits.  In addition to being wonderfully convenient, Rod's insight into instrument flying is truly gifted.  He makes complex concepts easy to understand, and never wastes the readers time with unrelated trivia.  Maybe the most important and unique attribute of this manual is that it is written to help pilots fly better, not just pass a written or check ride.

I highly recommend this app for anyone who wants to become a better IFR pilot.  It is also weighs nothing in a travel bag!

Nate Weinsaft
CFII, MEI

### 5/5 — Excellent resource for IFR pilots and those working on their IFR

*2010-11-10, version 0*

I relied heavily on Mr. Machado's IFR books back when I was working on my instrument rating. The books are well organized and very complete which makes them great as reference sources for review.   I find them invaluable for both remaining current and for that goal we all share -- striving to be ever better.      

I was very pleased when the books became available in the App store.  The IFR Survival Manual is an amazingly valuable resource.  The user interface for the electronic version is easy to navigate and just as useful and fast as the printed version, with the advantage that I have it with me on my iPad. 

Explanations are complete and accurate  Practical applications are presented and discussed, providing context for the material.  This reinforces important concepts and enhances retention.

Mr. Machado's superlative books are classics in the field for good reason -- quite simply, they are excellent!  The electronic versions can be updated if revisions are made and I am very pleased with that feature as well.

## Frequently asked questions about Rod's IFR Survival Manual

### What is Rod's IFR Survival Manual about?

Rod's IFR Survival Manual is a comprehensive guide for instrument pilots, covering essential techniques for navigating challenging flight conditions. It aims to educate and entertain pilots with practical advice and real-world scenarios.

### What specific topics does Rod's IFR Survival Manual cover?

The manual covers thinking like a professional pilot, instrument scanning, holding pattern entries, avoiding hazardous weather like thunderstorms and icing, managing cockpit resources, understanding IFR charts, and WAAS GPS (RNAV) approaches.

### Who would benefit from reading Rod's IFR Survival Manual?

This manual is excellent for any IFR student, experienced professional pilot, or anyone looking for an IFR refresher. It's designed to prepare pilots to be more educated and proficient.

### What is the price of Rod's IFR Survival Manual?

Rod's IFR Survival Manual is available for $29.99. This price is presented as less than the cost of one hour of flight instructor time.

### What devices is Rod's IFR Survival Manual available on?

Rod's IFR Survival Manual is supported on iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Apple Watch devices.

### How often is Rod's IFR Survival Manual updated?

The latest version, 2.3, was released on May 23, 2020. The initial release date was November 5, 2010.

### What is the user rating for Rod's IFR Survival Manual?

Rod's IFR Survival Manual has a high rating of 5.0 stars, based on 2 user ratings.

### Is Rod's IFR Survival Manual suitable for all ages?

The app has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide audience. Its content is focused on aviation knowledge.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 2.3 — 2020-05-23

In this update, I’ve added information or updates on the following items:
- Newest information on when to leave the MDA for the final descent.
- Update to visual segments of an instrument approach procedure.
- Circle to land updates, hazards and revelations.
- How to estimate in-flight visibility on an ILS or APV.
- Addition of sighting range of runway lighting systems.
- Addition of “VCOA” or Visual Climb Over the Airport

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## 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 Pilot's Handbook](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rods-ifr-pilots-handbook/id399662879)
- [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

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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 2026-06-10.*