Instrument Rating Reading List
Here is my recommended reading list for the Instrument Rating
Please note that this is only relevant for already licensed pilots seeking to add (or refresh) an Instrument Rating.
Handbooks and the like (important fundamental reading)
The following documents are a fundamental part of any instrument pilot's background knowledge. But most of them are rather large and not exactly a quick read for most people. Therefore, I expect every student to read these documents over the course of their instrument training, but I do not expect complete retention or swift completion. (On the retention front, these are references that can always be consulted again if/when necessary.)
Part 91, Subpart B, Subject Group 6 Instrument Flight Rules (§§ 91.167 - 91.195-91.199)
FAA-H-8083-15B Instrument Flying Handbook (Errata) (Addendum)
FAA Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP), aka Instrument Approach Charts (IAPs)
AIM, but these sections in particular:
United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) (Interesting but optional reading) - This is the rule book for designing and implementing instrument approach procedures
Guides, Primers, Courses, Lessons, Quizzes, Videos, and similar sources of specific information
This section (as opposed to the section above) typically contains documents or other references that are shorter and easier to read/digest in a single sitting, often covering a single topic, or at least a small set of topics that are closely related.
Approaches, Equipment Requirements, etc.
AIM 1-2-3. Use of Suitable Area Navigation (RNAV) Systems on Conventional Procedures and Routes - This explains when you are, and when you are not, allowed to use GPS or WAAS in lieu of ground-based navigation aides. (Note that a Localizer, LOC (in any of its various forms), must always be used directly when it is the primary course guidance.)
Everything You Need to Know about RNAV GPS Approaches - All about GPS approaches, by Richie Lengel - Excellent article about the various RNAV GPS approaches, equipment requirements, etc.
The Approach Briefing
FAA Aeronautical Information Services - Aeronautical Chart - Users’ Guide - Terminal Procedure Publications (Everything you need to know about how to read and interpret Instrument Approach Charts) - NB: Once on that page, you must then follow the link for the Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide - Terminal Procedure Publications Only Edition (Unfortunately, they change the location every update cycle, so I can't provide a static link to it.)
WRIMTM - How to organize your approach brief by Fred Simonds, from IFR Refresher (Note: I teach an enhanced version of WRIMTM, with two Rs and two Ts: WRRIMTTM: Weather, Route (GPS route/approach), Radios, Instruments, Minima, Timer, Text (NOTAMs and Approach Box notes), and Missed Approach.
The Precision Approach - ILS
The Circling Approach / Circling Maneuver
Descending Below Minimums
Operation Below Minimums - My way to remember the required visual references before you may descend below DA/DH or MDA on an instrument approach
The ten different items that will allow you to descend below MDA / DA from All About Airplanes - includes images and graphics for many of the items
VDP - Visual Descent Point, Purpose and Practical Application - A great paper on the VDP by Norbert Vorstädt
Missed Approach
Missed Approach - Details of how and when to fly a missed approach
Holds - Entering and Holding
Holds and Holding - Demystifying holds and hold entries
IFR Reference / Review Materials
Condensed reference section from the front of every Terminal Procedure Publication (aka, FRNTMATTER.pdf) - Superb condensed reference for the IFR pilot. Chock full of symbols, tables, diagrams, and other references, all explained in a concise, official manner. If you see something on an approach chart that you don't understand this is your go-to reference.
FAA Chart User’s Guide - Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP) - This is a more complete IFR approach chart user's guide than the condensed reference given above. Again, this is an excellent reference for anything/everything related to approach charts.
Airplane IFR quick-review sheets by Amir Fleminger at Pilotscafe.com - This is a good quick-review document. But caution is advised since it is dated 2011 and a number of FARs and other details have been updated since then.
Miscellaneous
Designing IFR Safety: TERPS by Fred Simonds, from IFR Refresher
This Way or That-a-Way - An interesting article about ATC vectors from IFR Magazine
Diverse Vector Areas - Another interesting article from IFR Magazine
Approach Sequences - An enumeration of the common approach sequences that I tend to use for instrument instruction
Aircraft Icing, AOPA ASF Safety Advisor, Weather - Excellent document about GA aircraft and icing
IFR Procedures - Excellent set of resources by AOPA and the Air Safety Institute (you must be a member of AOPA for access)
G1000 reading list (if you will be training in an aircraft with the G1000 or Cirrus Perspective avionics)
Instrument Proficiency Check Review Guide - This is a free on-line course by FAA Safety (FAASTeam). From the site: "This course offers a structured guide to reviewing IFR rules and procedures for each major phase of flight"
Devices, Apps, and Supplies
Apple iPad for ForeFlight - See associated info on pilot supplies list
ForeFlight - See associated info on pilot supplies list
IFR view limiting device - There are many different options. Some only work for people who do not wear glasses. Some only work for people who do wear glasses. And others work for either. Some of the more common solutions are Foggles, ASA Overcasters, the ASA Jiffyhood, or the Best Hood. You can also just buy a cheap pair of safety glasses and then use duct tape, gaffers tape, masking tape, or similar to block all vision except that needed to see the instruments. I've had a number of students make their own using this method and it usually works out quite well.