What is the primary purpose of instrument flight rules (IFR)?

The primary purpose of instrument flight rules (IFR) is to ensure safe operations in weather conditions that may reduce visibility. IFR provides a structured framework for pilots, aircraft, and air traffic control to work together in managing flight operations when visual references are limited, such as in cloudy, foggy, or other low-visibility conditions.

Under IFR, pilots are required to navigate and control the aircraft primarily by relying on instruments instead of visual cues outside the cockpit. This is vital for safety, as it allows pilots to conduct flights in a wide range of weather conditions while maintaining separation from other aircraft and avoiding terrain.

While other options mention aspects of IFR, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of these rules. For instance, flying without visual references is a critical component of IFR operation, but it is essentially a method brought about to achieve the overarching goal of ensuring safety during low-visibility situations.