How to Plan an IFR Flight
- 1). Get the number for local weather briefings off of your aviation chart. Call the needed weather services to get current forecasts and conditions for the departure airport and arrival airports. Cross reference this with your aircraft's operating limitations. For example, if your aircraft is not rated for winds on a landing over 50 knots and the arrival airport has winds forecasts to 55 knots, do not fly.
- 2). Plot your heading on the charts. Write this course, with bearings and flight altitudes, on the FAA IFR plan form.
- 3). Calculate your fuel needs using the charts and the E6B flight computer. Check your tanks and gauges to ensure you have adequate fuel for the journey.
- 4). Calculate out a contingency arrival airport should conditions change during flight where you cannot go into the planned arrival airport. Look for alternate airports and make the appropriate fuel calculations.
- 5). File the IFR plan with the control tower at your departure airport. When in flight, if you have the resources available, contact Air Control (AC) and request followings. This is when the AC gives updated course recommendations for you and will help vector you to your destination, as well as monitor your current and real location at all times during your IFR flight.
Source...