Instrument Meteorological Conditions describe weather conditions where flight by visual reference is not safe. This necessitates reliance on aircraft instruments for navigation and control. An example is flying through clouds where the pilot cannot see the ground or horizon.
Operation under these conditions is critical for maintaining schedule reliability and access to airspace, particularly in regions with frequent adverse weather. Proficiency in instrument flight enhances safety and expands operational capabilities. Its development has been integral to the evolution of modern aviation, enabling flight in scenarios previously considered impossible.