What is a primary concern in IFR flight?

In Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions, the foremost concern revolves around adhering to safety regulations and protocols. This is essential for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring the safety of both the aircraft and its occupants. IFR flights operate in environments where visual cues may be limited or nonexistent, often due to adverse weather conditions or low visibility. As such, pilots must rely heavily on instruments for navigation and control, making adherence to established flight rules and protocols critical to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation.

Moreover, safety regulations include maintaining proper communication with air traffic control, following specific altitude and route assignments, and being aware of other aircraft in the vicinity to avoid collisions. While avoiding turbulence, maintaining visibility, and ensuring passenger comfort are also important considerations, they do not take precedence over the foundational necessity of operating within the defined framework of safety measures. Thus, compliance with safety regulations directly supports the overall goal of safe flight operations during IFR.