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IFR Practice Test – Instrument Rating Practice Questions

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How many instrument approaches does 14 CFR 61.57(c)(1) ask for to keep instrument experience recent?

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All 250 questions

The rating, logging and currency 28

  • A glider is flown under IFR. Which rating does its pilot in command hold, per 14 CFR 61.3(e)(3)? 14 CFR § 61.3(e)(3)
  • A pilot has gone more than six calendar months without meeting the instrument experience requirements. How is instrument currency regained? 14 CFR § 61.57(d)(1)
  • A pilot who already holds an instrument rating applies for another one. What does 14 CFR 61.65(a)(7) say about the knowledge test? 14 CFR § 61.65(a)(7)
  • A safety pilot was required on a flight logged for instrument currency. What does 14 CFR 61.51(g)(3) put in the logbook about that person? 14 CFR § 61.51(g)(3)
  • An approved flight training device is used for the instrument practical test. Which approaches may be flown in it under 14 CFR 61.65(a)(8)(ii)? 14 CFR § 61.65(a)(8)(ii)
  • Besides approaches and holding, which task keeps a pilot instrument current? 14 CFR § 61.57(c)(1)
  • For the instrument-airplane rating, 61.65(d)(2) asks for what total of actual or simulated instrument time? 14 CFR § 61.65(d)(2)
  • For which flight time may a person log instrument time under 14 CFR 61.51(g)(1)? 14 CFR § 61.51(g)(1)
  • How long is the instrument training cross country flight described in 14 CFR 61.65(d)(2)(ii)? 14 CFR § 61.65(d)(2)(ii)
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The rating, logging and currency, continued

  • How many different kinds of approaches, using navigation systems, go into the airplane rating's long training flight? 14 CFR § 61.65(d)(2)(ii)
  • How many instrument approaches does 14 CFR 61.57(c)(1) ask for to keep instrument experience recent? 14 CFR § 61.57(c)(1)
  • How much cross-country time as pilot in command does 14 CFR 61.65(d)(1) ask of an instrument-airplane applicant? 14 CFR § 61.65(d)(1)
  • The instrument experience tasks of 61.57(c) may be completed in what? 14 CFR § 61.57(c)(2)
  • Lighter-than-air aircraft aside, which equipment does 14 CFR 91.109(c)(3) require for simulated instrument flight? 14 CFR § 91.109(c)(3)
  • Of the instrument time for the instrument-airplane rating, how much must come from an authorized instructor who holds an instrument-airplane rating? 14 CFR § 61.65(d)(2)
  • On the long IFR training flight for the airplane rating, where is an instrument approach made? 14 CFR § 61.65(d)(2)(ii)
  • Over what period does 14 CFR 61.57(c)(1) count a pilot's instrument experience? 14 CFR § 61.57(c)(1)
  • Simulator or training device time counts as instrument experience toward a certificate or rating under 14 CFR 61.51(g)(4) only if what is true? 14 CFR § 61.51(g)(4)
  • Six approaches and course tracking are logged. Which third task completes the list in 14 CFR 61.57(c)(1)? 14 CFR § 61.57(c)(1)
  • To count toward recent instrument experience, what must a logbook entry show about the approaches flown? 14 CFR § 61.51(g)(3)
  • What must a safety pilot hold at least, for simulated instrument flight under 14 CFR 91.109(c)(1)? 14 CFR § 91.109(c)(1)
  • What view must a safety pilot have under 14 CFR 91.109(c)(2), unless a competent observer supplements it? 14 CFR § 91.109(c)(2)
  • When is an instrument rating needed to act as pilot in command of a civil aircraft? 14 CFR § 61.3(e)
  • When may an authorized instructor log instrument time while giving instrument flight instruction? 14 CFR § 61.51(g)(2)
  • Which certificate does 61.65(a)(1) ask of a person seeking an instrument rating? 14 CFR § 61.65(a)(1)
  • Which of these is on the list in 14 CFR 61.57(d)(3) of who may give an instrument proficiency check? 14 CFR § 61.57(d)(3)
  • Which subject must instrument rating ground training cover, per 61.65(b)? 14 CFR § 61.65(b)(10)
  • Within what period before the practical test must the three hours of instrument training in 61.65(d)(2)(i) be flown? 14 CFR § 61.65(d)(2)(i)

IFR flight plan, fuel and alternates 15

  • A helicopter pilot files IFR without an alternate. What is the least visibility that may be forecast at the destination? 14 CFR § 91.169(b)
  • After completing a flight on an activated flight plan, whom does the pilot in command notify under 14 CFR 91.169(d)? 14 CFR § 91.169(d)
  • The alternate airport has no instrument approach procedure. What weather does 14 CFR 91.169(c)(2) require there? 14 CFR § 91.169(c)(2)
  • Alternate minima are judged against the forecast for what time? 14 CFR § 91.169(c)
  • An airport with a published instrument approach is filed as a helicopter's alternate. What ceiling does 91.169(c)(1)(ii) ask for? 14 CFR § 91.169(c)
  • Besides the weather, what must be true of the first airport of intended landing before the alternate can be left off an IFR flight plan? 14 CFR § 91.169(b)
  • For a helicopter, what forecast ceiling goes with the no-alternate rule of 14 CFR 91.169(b)(2)(ii)? 14 CFR § 91.169(b)
  • In IFR conditions, how long must an airplane be able to fly after reaching the alternate airport, under 14 CFR 91.167(a)(3)? 14 CFR § 91.167(a)(3)
  • No alternate minima are specified in the procedure. What standard weather must an airplane's alternate with a precision approach be forecast to have? 14 CFR § 91.169(c)
  • Over what time must the forecast hold for an airplane to file IFR with no alternate, under 14 CFR 91.169(b)(2)(i)? 14 CFR § 91.169(b)
  • Unless paragraph (b) applies, what must an IFR flight plan include in addition to the information of 14 CFR 91.153(a)? 14 CFR § 91.169(a)
  • What are the standard alternate minima in 14 CFR 91.169(c) for an airplane when the alternate has only a nonprecision approach? 14 CFR § 91.169(c)
  • What forecast ceiling and visibility let an airplane's IFR flight plan leave out the alternate airport? 14 CFR § 91.169(b)
  • What is the helicopter figure for the final fuel reserve in 14 CFR 91.167(a)(3)? 14 CFR § 91.167(a)(3)
  • What two things must a pilot have before operating under IFR in controlled airspace, under 14 CFR 91.173? 14 CFR § 91.173

Required equipment and checks 22

  • A pilot uses a designated VOR system checkpoint on the airport surface. What is the largest error allowed by 14 CFR 91.171(b)(2)? 14 CFR § 91.171(b)(2)
  • A static pressure system is opened and closed for a repair, other than by its drain or alternate static valve. What does 14 CFR 91.411(a)(2) require before IFR flight in controlled airspace? 14 CFR § 91.411(a)(2)
  • Besides the IFR items, which other equipment lists does 14 CFR 91.205(d)(1) bring in for an IFR flight? 14 CFR § 91.205(d)(1)
  • The clock on an IFR panel displays what, under 91.205(d)(6)? 14 CFR § 91.205(d)(6)
  • The DME required at FL 240 fails in flight. What does 14 CFR 91.205(e) tell the pilot in command to do first? 14 CFR § 91.205(e)
  • For the in-flight VOR check of 14 CFR 91.171(b)(4), how far from the VOR should the chosen ground point preferably be? 14 CFR § 91.171(b)(4)
  • How often must each static pressure system and altimeter be tested and inspected for IFR flight in controlled airspace? 14 CFR § 91.411(a)(1)
  • In the in-flight VOR check over a prominent ground point, what variation between the published radial and the indicated bearing is allowed? 14 CFR § 91.171(b)(4)
  • Neither a test signal nor a surface checkpoint is available. What does 14 CFR 91.171(b)(3) say to use next? 14 CFR § 91.171(b)(3)
  • Two independent VOR receivers are tuned to one station for the IFR equipment check. How far apart may their bearings read under 14 CFR 91.171(c)? 14 CFR § 91.171(c)
  • Unless it is maintained under an approved procedure, how recently must VOR equipment have been operationally checked for IFR use? 14 CFR § 91.171(a)(2)
  • VOR navigation equipment is required for the flight. What else must the aircraft have at or above FL 240 under 14 CFR 91.205(e)? 14 CFR § 91.205(e)
  • What bearing error does 14 CFR 91.171(b)(1) allow when the VOR check uses an FAA-operated or approved test signal? 14 CFR § 91.171(b)(1)
  • What does the person making a VOR operational check enter in the aircraft log or other record? 14 CFR § 91.171(d)
  • What is the maximum permissible bearing error at a designated airborne VOR checkpoint? 14 CFR § 91.171(b)(3)
  • What kind of altimeter goes on the instrument panel under 91.205(d)(5)? 14 CFR § 91.205(d)(5)
  • Which electrical item is on the IFR equipment list of 14 CFR 91.205(d)? 14 CFR § 91.205(d)(7)
  • Which gyroscopic instrument is on the IFR list of 14 CFR 91.205(d)(3), with an exception for aircraft that have a third attitude instrument system? 14 CFR § 91.205(d)(3)
  • Which of these is required for IFR flight by 14 CFR 91.205(d)(4)? 14 CFR § 91.205(d)(4)
  • Which radio gear belongs on an airplane flown on instruments, per 91.205(d)(2)? 14 CFR § 91.205(d)(2)
  • Which system is tested with the static system and the altimeter under 14 CFR 91.411(a)(1)? 14 CFR § 91.411(a)(1)
  • Which two gyroscopic instruments do paragraphs (d)(8) and (d)(9) of 14 CFR 91.205 add for IFR flight? 14 CFR § 91.205(d)(8)

Approaches and landing minimums 16

  • A runway has a published obstacle departure procedure. What must a pilot covered by 14 CFR 91.175(f)(3) do on an IFR takeoff? 14 CFR § 91.175(f)(3)
  • A three-engine airplane operated under part 135 has no published takeoff minimum to go by. What visibility applies? 14 CFR § 91.175(f)(2)
  • At the DA a pilot sees none of the runway but has one item below in sight. Which one satisfies 14 CFR 91.175(c)(3)? 14 CFR § 91.175(c)(3)
  • During a circling maneuver at or above MDA, which loss of sight of the airport does NOT call for a missed approach under 14 CFR 91.175(e)(2)? 14 CFR § 91.175(e)(2)
  • For operations under part 121 or part 135, what more does 14 CFR 91.175(c)(1) ask of the descent rate? 14 CFR § 91.175(c)(1)
  • No takeoff minimums are prescribed for the airport. What visibility does 14 CFR 91.175(f)(2) set for an airplane with two engines or less? 14 CFR § 91.175(f)(2)
  • The procedure, the pilot in command and the aircraft equipment each have a DA or MDA. Which one is the authorized minimum under 14 CFR 91.175(b)? 14 CFR § 91.175(b)
  • The requirements of 14 CFR 91.175(c) are not met on arrival at the missed approach point. What must the pilot do? 14 CFR § 91.175(e)
  • To descend below the MDA, in what position must the aircraft be under 14 CFR 91.175(c)(1)? 14 CFR § 91.175(c)(1)
  • To whom do the civil airport takeoff minimums of 14 CFR 91.175(f) apply? 14 CFR § 91.175(f)
  • What must stay distinctly visible to the pilot during a circling maneuver at or above MDA? 14 CFR § 91.175(e)(2)
  • When an instrument approach to a civil airport is necessary, which procedure must be used under 14 CFR 91.175(a), unless the FAA authorizes otherwise? 14 CFR § 91.175(a)
  • Which lights must also be in sight before a pilot uses the approach light system to go below 100 feet above the touchdown zone? 14 CFR § 91.175(c)(3)
  • Which of these is one of the visual references listed in 14 CFR 91.175(c)(3) for the intended runway? 14 CFR § 91.175(c)(3)
  • Which visibility must be at least the value prescribed in the approach before a pilot continues below DA under 14 CFR 91.175(c)(2)? 14 CFR § 91.175(c)(2)
  • With only the approach light system in sight, how low may a pilot descend under 14 CFR 91.175(c)(3)(i)? 14 CFR § 91.175(c)(3)

En route altitudes, courses and reports 22

  • A piston single flies IFR outside controlled airspace on a magnetic course of 090 degrees. Which altitude does 91.179(b) give? 14 CFR § 91.179(b)
  • A route segment has both an MEA and a MOCA. When may a pilot fly below the MEA down to the MOCA under 14 CFR 91.177(a)(1)? 14 CFR § 91.177(a)(1)
  • An ATC clearance assigns "VFR conditions on-top". Which rule sets the altitude to maintain? 14 CFR § 91.179(a)
  • For an aircraft navigating by VOR, within what distance of the VOR does the MOCA allowance of 14 CFR 91.177(a)(1) apply? 14 CFR § 91.177(a)(1)
  • Ground obstructions intervene before a higher minimum IFR altitude. How must the point where it begins be crossed? 14 CFR § 91.177(b)
  • In level cruising flight under IFR in controlled airspace, which altitude does 14 CFR 91.179(a) tell the pilot to maintain? 14 CFR § 91.179(a)
  • In uncontrolled airspace between 18,000 feet MSL and flight level 290, which levels go with a magnetic course of 180 through 359 degrees? 14 CFR § 91.179(b)
  • No minimum altitude is prescribed and the area is designated mountainous. What altitude does 14 CFR 91.177(a)(2)(i) set for IFR flight? 14 CFR § 91.177(a)(2)
  • Off the ATS routes, what track does 91.181(b) have an instrument pilot follow? 14 CFR § 91.181(b)
  • Outside controlled airspace, which maneuvers are excepted from the IFR altitude table of 91.179(b)? 14 CFR § 91.179(b)
  • Outside mountainous areas and with no prescribed minimum altitude, how high above the highest obstacle must an IFR flight stay? 14 CFR § 91.177(a)(2)
  • Under radar control, which reporting points must an IFR pilot still report passing? 14 CFR § 91.183(a)
  • Westbound on a magnetic course of 270 degrees, IFR in Class G airspace and well below the flight levels, which altitude is correct? 14 CFR § 91.179(b)
  • What does 14 CFR 91.183 require by radio during an IFR flight in controlled airspace? 14 CFR § 91.183
  • What does a pilot report on passing a designated reporting point under IFR, per 14 CFR 91.183(a)? 14 CFR § 91.183(a)
  • When does a climb to a higher minimum IFR altitude begin, under 14 CFR 91.177(b)? 14 CFR § 91.177(b)
  • Where on an ATS route must an IFR flight in controlled airspace be flown, under 14 CFR 91.181(a)? 14 CFR § 91.181(a)
  • Which in-flight malfunctions must be reported to ATC as soon as practical under 14 CFR 91.187(a)? 14 CFR § 91.187(a)
  • Which item belongs in the malfunction report of 14 CFR 91.187(b)? 14 CFR § 91.187(b)
  • Which maneuvering off the course does 14 CFR 91.181 say the section does not prohibit? 14 CFR § 91.181(b)
  • Which weather is reported to ATC as soon as possible under 91.183(b)? 14 CFR § 91.183(b)
  • Within what horizontal distance of the course does 14 CFR 91.177(a)(2) look for the highest obstacle? 14 CFR § 91.177(a)(2)

Two-way radio failure 11

  • The clearance limit is a fix from which an approach begins and an expect-further-clearance time was received. When does the pilot start down after a radio failure? 14 CFR § 91.185(c)(3)
  • The cleared-to point is not one where an approach starts, and no further-clearance time came. With the radio out, when is that point left? 14 CFR § 91.185(c)(3)
  • No expect-further-clearance time was given, and the clearance limit is the fix that begins the approach. With lost communications, when is descent begun? 14 CFR § 91.185(c)(3)
  • No route was assigned before the radio failed in IFR conditions. Which route does 14 CFR 91.185(c)(1)(iii) give? 14 CFR § 91.185(c)(1)
  • Radio contact is gone in instrument conditions. How high is each leg flown under 91.185(c)(2)? 14 CFR § 91.185(c)(2)
  • Radio contact is lost while being radar vectored in IFR conditions. Which route does 14 CFR 91.185(c)(1)(ii) give? 14 CFR § 91.185(c)(1)
  • Two-way radio fails under IFR and the aircraft is in VFR conditions. What does 14 CFR 91.185(b) require? 14 CFR § 91.185(b)
  • Which is one of the three altitudes compared in 14 CFR 91.185(c)(2)? 14 CFR § 91.185(c)(2)
  • Which transponder code does the Instrument Flying Handbook give for a loss of two-way radio communication? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 11-9
  • With no assigned route and no route to expect, which route does a pilot fly after a radio failure in IFR conditions? 14 CFR § 91.185(c)(1)
  • With two-way radio lost in the clouds, which route has first priority? 14 CFR § 91.185(c)(1)

Flight instruments and their errors 25

  • The air is colder than standard and the altimeter shows 5,000 feet. How does the true altitude compare with what it would be in warmer air? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-5
  • The airspeed indicator, altimeter and vertical speed indicator all take static pressure. Which one also takes pitot pressure? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-2
  • An aircraft climbs above the altitude where its static ports became blocked. How does the indicated airspeed compare with the actual airspeed? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-3
  • By what older name was the vertical speed indicator formerly known? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-8
  • The compass card is swinging. Which reading is used to set the gyroscopic heading indicator? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-14
  • The engine has just been started and power reaches the attitude indicator. What brings its gyro erect? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-19
  • Gyroscopic instruments depend on which pair of properties? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-16
  • How does the Instrument Flying Handbook define indicated airspeed? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-9
  • How does the pointer of a vertical speed indicator follow a change in pressure? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-8
  • How often does the handbook say to check the heading indicator against the magnetic compass? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-20
  • In the Instrument Flying Handbook's list, what does the altimeter show when the alternate static source is in use? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-3
  • In the same list for alternate static source pressure, what does the airspeed indicator show? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-3
  • The static system is blocked and the pitot tube is clear. What does the airspeed indicator do? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-3
  • The transponder's function switch is at ALT. What effect does turning the altimeter's Kollsman window have on the altitude the controller reads? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-3
  • What do errors in the airspeed indicator and vertical speed indicator almost always point to, per the Instrument Flying Handbook? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-2
  • What do the letters of the memory word ANDS stand for in the handbook's account of magnetic compass acceleration error? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-14
  • What is oscillation error in a magnetic compass, per the Instrument Flying Handbook? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-14
  • What is the flux valve of a flux gate compass system? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-15
  • What kind of instrument does the Instrument Flying Handbook call the vertical speed indicator? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-8
  • When does a correctly calibrated pressure altimeter indicate true altitude above mean sea level? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-5
  • Where does the handbook say altitude reporting is required by regulation, besides Class B and Class C airspace? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-3
  • Which altitude does a Mode C transponder send to the controller? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-3
  • Which errors are taken out of the dial reading to give CAS? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-9
  • Why did older attitude indicators have a caging mechanism? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-19
  • With alternate static source pressure selected and the altitude held constant, what does the vertical speed indicator show? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 5-3

Attitude instrument flying 18

  • A pilot concentrates on pitch control after an attitude change and forgets heading and roll information. Which cross-check error is this? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, PDF page 358
  • About how much bank does a standard-rate turn need at 120 knots? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 7-20
  • Holding a constant heading with the wings level, which gauge is the primary bank reference? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 6-10
  • In a standard rate turn to a heading, what is the primary bank reference? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 7-20
  • In a turn the ball is off center on the side toward the turn. What is the aircraft doing? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 4-12
  • In straight-and-level flight at an exact altitude, which instrument is primary for pitch? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 6-10
  • In the selected radial cross-check, how much of the time do the eyes stay on the attitude indicator? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 6-24
  • In what do the handbook's two ways of teaching attitude flying differ? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 6-2
  • What does the handbook call the scanning error of staring at a single instrument? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 6-11
  • What does the inclinometer in a turn coordinator indicate? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 4-12
  • What is an unusual attitude, in the handbook's words? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 7-26
  • What is the standard rate of turn? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 4-11
  • Which basic maneuver does the handbook except from those that can be performed on partial panel? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 7-1
  • Which gauge is primary for power when cruising level? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 6-24
  • Which instruments are covered or inoperative in "partial panel" flying? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 7-1
  • Which of these is among the conditions the handbook lists as a cause of unusual attitudes? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 7-26
  • Which two methods does the Instrument Flying Handbook name for learning attitude instrument flying? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 6-2
  • Why may pitch need adjusting during the roll-in to a level turn? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 7-20

Navigation systems 22

  • Flying the course set on the VOR index, the needle deflects left. What does that indicate about the wind? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-14
  • For a receiver able to isolate a corrupt satellite signal, how many satellites does RAIM need in view without baro-aiding? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-26
  • For fault detection alone and no altimeter input, what is the least number of satellites RAIM works with? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-26
  • How does a GPS system measure distance to a waypoint, in contrast to DME? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-19
  • How does the Instrument Flying Handbook describe the glidepath? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-37
  • How does the time from first signs of station proximity to positive ADF station passage vary? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-5
  • How far from the localizer centerline is the aircraft when the needle shows full-scale deflection, with a 5 degree course width? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-37
  • How is relative bearing measured? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-3
  • How often are navigation databases updated, per the Instrument Flying Handbook? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-11
  • On a localizer, what needle deflection does the handbook say keeps the aircraft aligned with the runway? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-37
  • On what frequency do all marker beacons transmit? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-3
  • What does a TRACON controller use Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) to detect? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-7
  • What does receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM) determine? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-26
  • What does the ADF needle point to? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-3
  • What information does precision approach radar (PAR) display? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-47
  • What is a magnetic bearing? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-3
  • What is homing with an ADF? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-5
  • What is the distance shown by DME commonly called? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-19
  • What makes a VOR course deviation indicator show reverse sensing? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-14
  • What path does a homing aircraft follow to the station in a crosswind? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-5
  • When is DME slant range error smallest? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-19
  • Which ADF antenna receives signals better from two directions? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 9-3

En route charts and ATC 20

  • An IFR clearance carries a clearance void time. What must be true of the aircraft? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-5
  • ATC issues a cruise clearance together with an unpublished route. What else is specified? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-4
  • For which aircraft are tower en route control (TEC) routes generally meant? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-7
  • How wide is a Federal airway? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-4
  • In instrument flight, how are courses and distances given? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-4
  • No changeover point is shown on an airway. Where is the VOR frequency changed? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-10
  • On an en route chart, what does a solid triangle at a reporting point mean? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-7
  • Unless otherwise specified, where is the floor of a Federal airway? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-4
  • The void time is 10 minutes past the hour and the aircraft lifts off at exactly 10 past. What is the status of the clearance? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-5
  • What does a pilot stop doing over designated reporting points on hearing "RADAR CONTACT"? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-7
  • What does a release time in a clearance mean for the pilot? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-5
  • What does the handbook say about communication at the MEA? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-6
  • What does the minimum en route altitude (MEA) ensure? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-6
  • What does the minimum reception altitude (MRA) identify? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-6
  • What is ATC's first duty priority, per the Instrument Flying Handbook? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-11
  • When are reports made at a reporting point shown as an open triangle? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-7
  • When is a minimum crossing altitude (MCA) charted? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-7
  • Where can a pilot see minimum vectoring altitudes (MVAs)? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-6
  • Where do jet routes exist? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-5
  • Which item comes first in the format of an IFR clearance? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-5

Holding and approach procedures 32

  • A pilot is cleared for the approach before returning to the holding fix and is at the prescribed altitude. What does ATC expect about further circuits? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-20
  • An aircraft must maneuver faster than the upper limit of its approach category. Which minimums are used? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-23
  • At 6,000 feet and below, what speed limit applies in a holding pattern? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-11
  • How does DME holding differ from timed holding? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-13
  • How far apart at most are the parallel runways of a side-step maneuver? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-20
  • How many stepdown fixes are there normally between the final approach fix and the missed approach point? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-21
  • In a teardrop entry to a holding pattern, what heading is flown outbound from the fix? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-12
  • In what units is runway visual range (RVR) reported? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-23
  • No final approach fix is depicted. Where is the final approach point? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-21
  • On a no-gyro approach, at what rate are turns made before final approach? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-18
  • On a no-gyro surveillance or precision approach, what turn rate is the pilot told to use once on final? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-18
  • On an RNAV approach chart, which minimum altitude is published beside a minima line that supports vertical guidance? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-30
  • On what speed are aircraft approach categories based? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-23
  • To which approach segment do procedure turns belong? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-16
  • What are stepdown fixes on a nonprecision approach for? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-21
  • What does the ATC clearance always specify when a nonstandard holding pattern is to be flown? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-10
  • What is a visual descent point (VDP)? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-21
  • What is the design objective of the terminal arrival area (TAA)? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-18
  • What is the direct entry procedure for a holding pattern? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-12
  • What is the maximum holding airspeed from 6,001 to 14,000 feet in the handbook's table? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-11
  • What is the typical radius of the minimum safe altitude (MSA) circle on an approach chart? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-18
  • What is the typical threshold crossing height (TCH)? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-30
  • What kind of visual range is RVR? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-23
  • What three things does a feeder route on an approach chart provide? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-18
  • When is a holding pattern maneuver on an approach complete? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-20
  • When is terrain depicted in the plan view of an instrument approach chart, as measured against the airport elevation? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-16
  • When is the pilot expected to begin a side-step maneuver? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-20
  • Where is the missed approach point on an ILS? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-21
  • Where is the pilot briefing on an instrument approach chart? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-16
  • Which final approach course alignment is one of the two general reasons for a circling-only approach? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-16
  • Which of these does a procedure turn facilitate? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 7-30
  • Which symbol marks the final approach fix in the profile view of an approach chart? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 1-21

Illusions, icing and emergencies 19

  • A rapid acceleration on takeoff creates which illusion? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-6
  • An abrupt change from climb to straight-and-level flight can create which illusion? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-6
  • An abrupt upward vertical acceleration, as in an updraft, can create which illusion? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-6
  • Bright runway lights with few lights around them may create which illusion? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-9
  • How does the handbook describe clear ice? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 4-13
  • How does the handbook say to minimize the load factor in turbulence? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-23
  • In which phase of flight does the handbook say to be particularly alert to a tailplane stall in icing? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 4-15
  • Moderate to severe turbulence is encountered. To what speed does the handbook say to slow? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 10-23
  • What can lights along a straight path, such as a road, be mistaken for? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-9
  • What does structural icing refer to? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 4-13
  • What does the handbook call the illusion in which the loss of altitude in a turn keeps increasing? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-6
  • What does the handbook put "most importantly" in its list for coping with spatial disorientation? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-9
  • What does the handbook say to do in the event of an electrical fire in flight? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 8-17
  • What illusion can flying into fog create? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-9
  • When does the Coriolis illusion occur? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-6
  • Which of these can give a false horizon, per the Instrument Flying Handbook? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-7
  • Which transponder code does the Instrument Flying Handbook give for an in-flight emergency, with a call on 121.5? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 8-17
  • Which two illusions leading to spatial disorientation concern only the visual system? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 3-7
  • Within what distance of thunderstorms does the handbook say operation should be approached with great caution? Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, page 2-11

How this list was compiled: Written from the text of 14 CFR parts 61 and 91 as published in the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (a US government work), read at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14 in the eCFR text dated 2026-09-29, and from the FAA's Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B (a US government work), read as the PDF on faa.gov on 2026-10-04. Every question names the section or handbook page its answer comes from and links to it. Licence: Own work. Questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site from the rule text and the handbook, which are US government works. Nothing is copied from an FAA knowledge test, an FAA sample question or any prep company's bank.

How it works

This unofficial IFR practice test asks instrument rating questions in twelve topics, from currency and alternates under 14 CFR parts 61 and 91 to holding and approaches. The FAA does not publish its bank, so none are its questions.

Read the full guide

Twelve topics, each answer with its source

Six topics come from the rule text: the rating and currency (61.57, 61.65), flight plans, fuel and alternates, required equipment and checks, approach minimums, en route altitudes and reports, and two-way radio failure (91.185). Six come from the Instrument Flying Handbook: flight instruments, attitude instrument flying, navigation systems, en route charts and ATC, holding and approaches, and illusions, icing and emergencies.

What the bank leaves out

Questions that need an en route chart, an approach plate or another figure are not here yet, and neither are weather report and forecast questions. No FAA question is here either: its bank is not published. This page gives no question count, time limit or passing score for the real test.

  • Section 91.185 gives route and altitude in a fixed order; the radio failure topic asks each step on its own.
  • Misses sit under Missed in More options until answered right.

Questions and answers

Are these the questions on the FAA instrument rating test?

No. The FAA does not publish its knowledge test question bank. Every question here was written for this site from 14 CFR parts 61 and 91 and the Instrument Flying Handbook; none comes from an FAA sample test or a prep company's bank.

What does it take to stay IFR current?

14 CFR 61.57(c) asks for six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses with electronic navigation systems, performed and logged within the 6 calendar months before the month of the flight.

How many hours does an instrument rating take?

For the instrument-airplane rating, section 61.65(d) asks for 50 hours of cross-country time as pilot in command and 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, 15 of them from an authorized instructor who holds an instrument-airplane rating.

Does this bank cover the CFII written test?

Partly. Under 14 CFR 61.183(f) and 61.185(a)(3), the CFII written exam, the knowledge test for instrument flight instructor privileges, is on the aeronautical knowledge areas for the instrument rating, which these questions come from. None was written for the instructor test itself.

Which editions of the sources were used?

The eCFR text of 14 CFR dated September 29, 2026, and the Instrument Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-15B, read on October 4, 2026. Rules change, and the current text at ecfr.gov is the final word.

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