FAA Instrument Rating exam-day guide
FAA Instrument Rating · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired driver's license or passport. The practical test requires the applicant to present identification to the evaluator, and the name must match your airman certificate application records. If your ID is expired or the name differs from your IACRA records, resolve it before test day - confirm the exact documentation standard with your designated pilot examiner (DPE) or the FAA office administering the test.
IACRA application completed and signed
The Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application must be initiated in IACRA, signed by you and your instructor, and the FAA-integrated Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) task references filled in. Review the DPE's instructions on whether they want the application number emailed in advance; the DPE must be able to retrieve it on test day.
Current medical certificate
A valid medical certificate appropriate to the privileges sought (basicMed is not accepted for an instrument rating practical test in all cases - verify with your DPE whether it satisfies the requirement for your specific situation). Check the expiration date against the class of medical and your age bracket.
Logbook with endorsements
Bring your pilot logbook showing instrument time, recent instrument experience, and all required endorsements: aeronautical knowledge test, instrument competency, and the 3 hours of instrument training within the preceding 2 calendar months. Highlight the relevant entries with tabs so the DPE can find them quickly.
Knowledge test report
Bring the Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) for the instrument rating. Confirm with the provider whether a copy or the original is required, and check the expiration window on your report before test day.
Aircraft airworthiness and registration documents
For the oral and flight portions you must present the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, registration, operating limitations (including any instrument-related equipment list), weight and balance data, and the current inspection status. If you are using a rental or club aircraft, confirm the documents are in the aircraft and current.
Current charts and approach plates
Bring current terminal and en route charts plus the approach plates for your planned and diversion airports. Confirm with the DPE whether paper or an electronic flight bag is acceptable and what backup the DPE expects.
Aircraft with required instrument equipment
Verify the aircraft is equipped and inspected for IFR: static and pitot systems within the required inspection interval, transponder and altimeter checks current, and all equipment required for the approaches you will fly. Do a pre-test inspection flight in the same aircraft if possible.
Weather and NOTAM briefing printout
Obtain a standard briefing and NOTAMs for the planned route and be ready to discuss go/no-go decision-making. Bring a printed or saved copy so you can reference it during the oral without relying on live connectivity.
Flight plan and navigation logs prepared
Complete a full flight plan including fuel, alternates, and instrument departure and arrival procedures. The DPE expects you to have done the planning work beforehand, not to build it during the oral.
Personal comfort items and a plan for the day
Water, a snack, and a light layer - oral exams can run several hours and the flight portion follows. Confirm with the DPE the expected start time, meeting location, and whether the oral and flight will occur on the same day.
Fees and payment arrangements confirmed
DPE fees are typically due on test day and may be cash or a specific payment method. Confirm the amount, payment method, and cancellation policy with the DPE in advance. Mark this needs_review if your DPE has not yet specified terms.
Plan the day
Complete and submit the IACRA application with your instructor's signature, then confirm the DPE received it. Re-verify your logbook endorsements and total instrument time against the ACS requirements. Do a full mock oral with your instructor focused on the areas where you are weakest - typically weather interpretation, holding entries, and approach minimums.
Fly one final dual or solo practice sortie covering the ACS flight tasks: unusual attitude recovery, partial-panel work, holds, and at least one precision and one non-precision approach. Fly in actual or simulated IMC with a safety pilot or instructor as appropriate. Note any aircraft squawks and get them fixed now, not on test day.
Study the specific approach plates and airport diagrams you expect to use, plus the departure and alternate procedures. Review your aircraft's equipment list, systems, and emergency procedures. Pack your documents, charts, headset, and logbook in one bag so nothing is left behind.
Get a full night's sleep and avoid cramming new material. Confirm the meeting time and location with the DPE, check the weather forecast for the test window, and plan for how you will handle a weather cancellation or discontinuance.
Eat a real meal and arrive early enough to settle in without rushing. Do a final weather and NOTAM check, verify the aircraft is airworthy and fueled, and confirm the documents are aboard. Re-read your weakest ACS areas for 20–30 minutes, then stop studying.
Answer as a pilot-in-command would: state your decision, give the reasoning, and cite the source (regulation, ACS, or chart). When you do not know something, say so and describe how you would find the answer - that is a legitimate and often expected response. Manage the pace and ask for a short break if you need one.
Brief each task before you fly it, verbalize your instrument interpretation and scan, and call out deviations early. Fly stabilized approaches to the ACS standards, use standard callouts, and treat any simulated emergency as a real one. If you exceed a tolerance, correct it and continue - the DPE is evaluating overall performance, not a single error.
Review the evaluation form with the DPE, ask for specific debrief points, and confirm what happens next with IACRA and your temporary certificate if you passed. If you did not pass, get the notice of disapproval in writing and clarify the retest requirements with the DPE.
Rules to check
Present valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification at the start of the test; the name must match your application. If your documentation situation is unusual, confirm the requirement with your DPE or the administering FAA office before test day.
The practical test is conducted to the FAA Airman Certification Standards for the instrument rating. The DPE evaluates both the oral and flight portions against those standards, and unsatisfactory performance in a required task can result in discontinuance or disapproval - ask the DPE to explain the discontinuance and disapproval criteria at the start.
You may ask clarifying questions during the oral, but the DPE will not coach you through an answer. Treat the oral as you would a real flight: make a decision, state your reasoning, and identify your reference.
Breaks are generally permitted between tasks and between the oral and flight portions, subject to the DPE's discretion and scheduling. Ask before the test begins how breaks will be handled, and confirm the DPE's policy rather than assuming one.
If weather, aircraft airworthiness, or other conditions make the flight unsafe, you may request a discontinuance. A discontinuance is not a failure, but you must complete the remaining tasks within the time the DPE specifies - confirm the specific window and paperwork with the DPE.
Do not bring or use unauthorized reference material during the test. Know in advance which references (charts, ACS, regulations) the DPE permits you to consult, and ask if you are unsure.
Arrive on time and prepared to fly. Late arrival or missing documents may result in cancellation at the DPE's discretion; confirm the cancellation and rescheduling policy with the DPE in advance.
Payment of DPE fees and any cancellation terms are set by the individual examiner, not by the FAA. Confirm the amount, method, and notice period with your DPE before test day.