What must a pilot in command familiarize themselves with before beginning any flight under IFR?

To operate safely and effectively under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), the pilot in command is required to familiarize themselves with all available information concerning that flight. This comprehensive approach ensures that the pilot is well-informed about crucial aspects such as weather conditions, navigational charts, airspace restrictions, and any potential hazards that could affect the flight.

Familiarizing themselves with all available information allows the pilot to make informed decisions and enhances situational awareness, which is vital for safety. This includes not only the current weather but also forecasts, NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen), and any changes in flight plans or air traffic control instructions.

Other considerations, while important, do not encompass the full range of information required. For example, focusing solely on the weather conditions for the departure airport neglects other critical factors, such as conditions at the destination and alternate airports, as well as en route weather. Similarly, while understanding instrument approaches to the alternate airport and runway lengths at the destination airport are significant, they form just parts of the broader knowledge base needed for safe IFR operations.