In instrument flight, what should be your top priority?

In instrument flight, the top priority is to ensure the safe control of the aircraft, which is why flying the airplane is paramount. Maintaining control is essential, especially when visual references are limited due to weather or other conditions. This involves managing the aircraft's altitude, heading, attitudes, and responses to any changes in flight instruments.

When flying in instrument conditions, pilots rely heavily on their instruments, making it crucial to actively manage the aircraft's flight path and keep it stable. If a pilot is preoccupied with other aspects, like communicating with air traffic control or monitoring weather conditions, it can lead to a loss of situational awareness or, worse, loss of control. Therefore, ensuring the aircraft remains under control is the fundamental task that enables all other actions, including communication and navigation, to be carried out safely and effectively.