What does the acronym "IFR" stand for?

The acronym "IFR" stands for Instrument Flight Rules. This is a set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally poor enough to require reliance on instruments for navigation and control. Under IFR, pilots use instruments rather than visual references outside the cockpit, which is crucial in conditions where visibility may be low, such as clouds or heavy precipitation. IFR protocols ensure safety and precision in navigation, even when pilots cannot see the terrain or other aircraft directly.

The other options do not correctly represent the term defined in aviation contexts. For instance, "Instruments for Flight Regulation" suggests a different focus not aligned with flight operations, while "Intermediate Flight Route" refers more to a path than the rules governing instrument navigation. "Initial Flight Readiness" pertains to different pre-flight checks and preparations rather than the specific operational rules that IFR outlines.