ANAC IBAV
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ExploreAbout this exam
The IBAV (Instrumento Básico de Avaliação de Voos) is a knowledge assessment used within the Brazilian civil aviation training system, administered under the framework of the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC). It is aimed at student pilots and candidates who need to demonstrate a foundation in the theoretical subjects that underpin flight training before or alongside practical instruction. The exam is multiple choice and samples the core subject areas of the pilot syllabus: Brazilian air law and regulations, aircraft general knowledge and principles of flight, flight performance and planning, human performance and limitations, meteorology, navigation, and operational procedures with radiotelephony. Questions are typically scenario-flavoured rather than purely definitional, so candidates are expected to apply rules and physical principles, not just recall them. The most effective preparation is sequential: build a solid base in regulations and principles of flight first, since those concepts recur in performance, navigation and operational questions; then work through meteorology and flight planning with worked numerical examples; finally consolidate with timed practice and a review of every missed item. Because this is an independent study resource, candidates should confirm current administrative details, subject syllabi and any updates directly with ANAC or their approved training organisation.
What you'll study
About ANAC IBAV preparation
What is the IBAV actually for?
It assesses the theoretical foundation expected of a pilot candidate within ANAC's training framework. Treat it as a checkpoint on ground-school knowledge that supports later practical training, not as a licence in itself. Confirm the exact role it plays in your particular training pathway with your school or with ANAC.
What is the exam format?
The assessment is multiple choice. Each item presents a stem and several alternatives, with one best answer. Expect a mix of direct knowledge items and short applied scenarios, especially in air law, performance and navigation, where a calculation or a rule interpretation may be required.
How many questions are there, and how long do I have?
Those figures are set by the administering body and can change between sessions, so no fixed number is given here. Check the current official notice from ANAC, or ask your training organisation, for the question count, duration and any session-specific instructions before exam day.
What score do I need to pass?
The passing standard is defined officially and is not restated here. Consult ANAC's published requirements or your approved training organisation for the current minimum. Do not rely on hearsay from other candidates, since requirements and procedures can be revised.
How difficult is it?
Most candidates find the difficulty comes from breadth rather than depth. Individual items are usually fair, but the syllabus spans seven distinct areas, and weak spots in one area are hard to hide. Candidates who study only their favourite subjects tend to score unevenly across sections.
Can I retake it if I fail?
Retake rules, waiting periods and any limits on attempts are set by the administering authority. Confirm the current policy with ANAC or your school before you sit the exam, and plan your study schedule so that a retake does not disrupt your training timeline.
In what order should I study the subjects?
Start with regulations and principles of flight, because they supply vocabulary and physics used elsewhere. Then move to performance and planning with worked numerical problems, add meteorology and navigation, and finish with human performance and operational procedures. Save timed practice for the last few weeks.
Why do candidates fail?
The usual causes are shallow coverage of air law, weak unit conversion and arithmetic under time pressure, and misreading scenario stems. Another common trap is memorising question shapes instead of the underlying rule, which collapses when an item is phrased differently from practice material.
How should I use practice questions?
Answer without notes, then write down why every wrong option is wrong, not just why the right one is right. Log errors by subject and revisit them weekly. Practice is diagnostic, not a substitute for reading the regulation or the textbook chapter behind each item.
Where do I confirm official details?
Always go to ANAC's own website or your approved training organisation for current administrative information, syllabi, scheduling and results. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by ANAC.