What do pilots use to navigate during IFR flights?

Pilots use flight instruments, charts, and radio navigation aids as their primary tools for navigation during IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flights. IFR flight operations require pilots to navigate in conditions where visual references are limited, such as in clouds or heavy precipitation. Therefore, reliance on visual landmarks or GPS coordinates alone is insufficient.

Flight instruments provide crucial data regarding the aircraft's position, altitude, heading, and speed. Additionally, pilots utilize navigation charts that contain vital information about airways, waypoints, and other essential navigational aids. Radio navigation aids, like VORs (VHF Omnidirectional Range) and NDBs (Non-Directional Beacons), assist in determining aircraft position and course. This comprehensive approach ensures that pilots can maintain situational awareness and safely navigate the aircraft even when outside visual references are absent. Thus, this combination of flight instruments, charts, and radio navigation aids is integral for successful navigation during IFR conditions.