What is the primary responsibility of the pilot in command (PIC) during an IFR flight?

The primary responsibility of the pilot in command (PIC) during an IFR flight is to ensure the overall safety of the flight. This encompasses a wide range of duties, including making critical decisions about flight operations, maintaining situational awareness, and managing emergencies if they arise. The PIC must evaluate factors such as weather conditions, aircraft performance, and air traffic, all of which play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all onboard.

While monitoring flight instruments is certainly a vital function, it is just one aspect of the broader responsibility the PIC has in maintaining safety throughout the flight. Similarly, while passenger comfort is important, it is secondary to the safety of the flight. Compliance with navigation rules is a fundamental requirement, but safety encompasses adherence to all regulations and making decisions that prioritize the well-being of passengers and crew in dynamic flight conditions. Therefore, the focus on overall safety unifies all of these aspects into the PIC's primary role during IFR flight.