Master the Skies: 2026 Instrument Flying Handbook Practice Test – Soar to Success!

The key idea is that IFR navigation requires equipment that is approved for IFR operations. A GPS unit can serve as the primary navigation source when it is IFR-certified (a true IFR GPS with the proper database, integrity monitoring like RAIM, and, if required for the approach or path, WAAS). A consumer-oriented VFR GPS is not IFR-approved and does not meet the performance and reliability standards required for primary navigation in IFR flight. It can still be used to aid situational awareness and to supplement IFR navigation, but you would not rely on it as the primary navigation source while flying under IFR. If you have an IFR-certified GPS, you can navigate directly by GPS and fly RNAV routes or approaches, provided you have current data and the system is operating within its certification and database status.