EASA Instrument Rating theoretical foundations cheat sheet
EASA Instrument Rating theoretical foundations · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Aircraft systems, powerplants and flight instruments
Trace energy, fluid and signal paths before diagnosing a symptom.
System design determines component behavior; do not universalize one installation.
Distinguish pitot/static faults by the actual blocked and open paths.
Displayed guidance is different from attitude and actual mode engagement.
Independent cross-checks require genuinely independent sources.
Weather mechanisms, reports and uncertainty
A small dew-point spread indicates proximity to saturation, not certainty of existing fog.
Compare environmental and parcel lapse rates using the supplied assumptions.
Hemisphere and system geometry matter to wind-shift claims.
Visible cloud or radar boundaries do not contain every hazard.
Decode day, time, units, trends and scope before drawing conclusions.
Navigation, radio aids and explicit planning models
Keep headings, tracks, bearings and their references separate.
DME is slant range; pressure altitude is not automatically geometric height.
Position, integrity, capability and operational approval are distinct.
Equal-time and safe-return calculations solve different constraints.
A planning calculation does not itself establish an approved or safe flight.
Aerodynamics, loading and performance reasoning
State the flight condition before applying its force balance.
Stall depends on angle of attack and the relevant configuration.
Constant-altitude turning increases required lift and model stall speed.
Excess power and excess thrust describe different climb objectives.
Required performance is not proof of available aircraft capability.
Perception, workload and decisions
Convincing sensations can disagree with actual aircraft attitude.
A common source can make several displays agree incorrectly.
Confirmation and plan-continuation biases describe different evidence-handling problems.
Startle management preserves flight path and verifies the situation.
Recognition questions do not diagnose illness or certify fitness.
Operational framework and clear communication
A clearance has specified conditions and does not replace aircraft limitations.
Distinguish licensing, rules of the air, operator requirements and aircraft approvals.
Required readbacks and their conditions must be preserved.
Emergency priority depends on actual danger and assistance needs.
Current procedures govern real minima, reserves and communication failures.