In which situations do IFR rules typically apply?

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) primarily apply in situations where visibility is limited and weather conditions are poor. IFR requires pilots to rely on instruments for navigation and control rather than visual references outside the aircraft. This is crucial in adverse weather conditions—such as low ceilings and reduced visibility caused by precipitation, fog, or other meteorological factors—as these situations can significantly impair a pilot's ability to navigate based solely on visual cues.

While controlled airspace is an important consideration for all flights, including those under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the essence of IFR is fundamentally tied to the necessity for instrument navigation when conditions do not allow safe visual operations. Likewise, clear weather conditions typically fall under VFR, where pilots are not required to comply with IFR regulations. For flight training, while both VFR and IFR training can occur, the specific question centers on the conditions under which IFR rules are applicable, making poor weather conditions the definitive context for IFR operation.