Do Fighter Pilots Fly IFR?

Fighters pilots do indeed fly Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), quite consistently. This practice is essential for several reasons, particularly within the controlled airspace.

ICAO Regulations and Flight Plans

According to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations and procedures, all flights, whether military or commercial, must adhere to specific flight plans, irrespective of the type of airspace they are operating in. Fighter pilots, like any other aircraft operators, require a flight plan filed with Air Traffic Control (ATC) for authorization to use specific airspaces.

USAF and Navy Operations

In the United States, both the Air Force (USAF) and Navy typically operate under IFR flight plans when in controlled airspace. This is because controlled airspace, which includes much of the airspace over the United States and numerous international locations, requires adherence to IFR protocols. For missions flying low-level routes, pilots will cancel their IFR flight plans while on the route and resume them upon ascending back into controlled airspace.

Military Operations in Adverse Conditions

Military operations, especially those involving fighter jets, cannot always delay or cancel missions based on weather conditions. Unlike commercial airlines, military operations prioritize mission completion over passenger comfort. In the 1970s, flying F-5 aircraft, I would frequently operate visually (VFR) 98% of the time, but during instrument training, we adhered strictly to IFR rules, following the guidance of ATC.

Threat Awareness and Navigation

Being a fighter pilot involves rigorous training and constant attention to navigation. In my experience flying F-4s, most missions required navigation based on instruments rather than visual cues. The majority of the time, my focus was on the cockpit instruments to determine our position and direction. My Radar/Intercept Officer (GIB) in the rear seat was similarly engaged, constantly scanning the radar systems to ensure we were not under threat. This vigilance is critical, especially when operating in adverse weather conditions or at high altitudes where traditional navigation aids like ground points are unavailable.

Historical Context and Air Surveillance

Even during the Cold War, fighter jets like the F-94, which were equipped with primitive radar systems, played a crucial role in air defense. The F-94, similar to early jet fighters like the F-80 and T-33, were used for intercepting Soviet bombers, often controlled by ground radars to detect incoming Soviet Tu-4 bombers (which were copies of the B-29). The F-94 had a short-range radar and could approach friendly ground radar to the point where its radar could detect incoming bombers. This would then engage the hostile aircraft.

The F-106 ultimately became the ultimate Cold War all-weather interceptor, equipped with advanced avionics. These aircraft could be flown by ground personnel to intercept incoming threats without pilot presence. The technology, while advanced for its time, was relatively simple compared to today's high-tech systems.

Additionally, fighter pilots often utilize IFR flight plans for visual flights around regions of interest, like Iceland, as was done with an A321 during a sightseeing mission.

The judicious use of both IFR and VFR flight plans is crucial for ensuring safe and effective operations for military fighter pilots. Understanding and complying with these rules is essential for maintaining air superiority and responding to potential threats.