Instrument Procedures Handbook: Faa-H-8261-1a

This handbook is an essential reference for all instrument pilots. Perhaps sixty percent of the information it contains can also be found in standard textbooks on instrument flying, such as the Jeppesen Instrument/Commercial Manual, and in the Aeronautical Information Manual. The real value of the handbook, however, lies in its succinct and authoritative summaries of previously hard-to-find and harder-to-use information on the design of instrument procedures, the operation of the air traffic control system, and emerging technologies. The focus throughout is on what is of interest to the pilot rather than to an FAA engineer or air traffic controller. Those pilots who have tried to wade through the TERPS manual or FAA Order 7110.65R (Air Traffic Control) will know what I mean. The time saved by not having to painstakingly extract this information from the underlying sources more than justifies the purchase of this handbook. There are many high-quality color illustrations, but they do not quite make up for the bureaucratic prose.

Finally the FAA broke down and told us all what we previously had to ask our instructors (usually getting marginal if that answers). EVERY instrument pilot MUST own this book. It is the approach bible. While there is a lot of garbage here and there, the last 2/3 of the book is mandatory reading for IFR pilots. And since the FAA actually makes an effort to make the book aesthetically pleasing, color pictures and excellent diagrams are truly nice to view.

I am a CFII w/ 1200TT and 900 Dual Given and I feel that this is one of the best IFR procedure books I've come across. The book is focused around NACO charts so if you're using Jepp. charts it may not be as useful for you; but all and all its a must have