What defines "instrument conditions"?

"Instrument conditions" are defined by a ceiling of less than 1,000 feet and/or visibility of less than 3 statute miles. This classification is crucial in aviation as it determines the requirements for pilots to operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) rather than visual flight rules (VFR). When weather conditions fall below these thresholds, pilots must rely on their instruments due to the reduced ability to navigate and control the aircraft visually. Understanding this definition is essential for pilots to recognize when they need to shift from visual navigation to instrument navigation, ensuring safety and compliance with aviation regulations.