Instrument Rating case studies

Instrument Rating · Put your knowledge to work in context.

The Instrument Rating – Airplane (often abbreviated IRA, and also listed as Instrument–Airplane) is the FAA certification that moves a pilot from visual flight rules into the instrument flight rules environment. It is aimed at private and commercial pilots who want to fly in clouds, in reduced visibility, and through the airspace system on an ATC clearance rather than by visual reference to the ground. The Instrument Rating case studies are 5 cases and about 3,671 words.

Night IFR to KDEN: Is the Alternate Real?

You are planning KICT-KDEN, departing 1930Z, ETE 2+10, in a PA-28RT-201T burning 11.0 gph with 48 gal usable aboard. KDEN TAF (1918/2024): 22014G22KT 4SM -RA BKN018 OVC040.

725 words, about 4 min 2

The Crossing Restriction You Cannot Make

You are N12345, level at FL240, 42 NM from the HARRS intersection at 300 kt groundspeed. ATC: 'N12345, cross HARRS at and maintain eight thousand, expect six thousand one zero miles after HARRS.' Your descent data: 1,300 fpm at 300 kt; 1,800 fpm at 250 KIAS (260 kt groundspeed); no speedbrakes.

703 words, about 4 min 3

Vacuum Failure at Night in IMC

Night, IMC, climbing through 9,000 ft in a normally aspirated single. The suction gauge reads 3.2 in Hg (normal 4.5-5.5).

780 words, about 4 min 4

Mountain RNAV: The Missed Approach You Cannot Fly

You are flying a Category B airplane (Vref 105 KIAS) into a mountain airport, elevation 3,440 ft. RNAV (GPS) RWY 27: LNAV MDA 4,240 (800 HAT), visibility 1 1/4 SM; circling MDA 4,640 (1,200 HAT), visibility 1 1/2 SM; note: 'Circling NA southeast of RWY 27-09 at night.' The missed approach requires 425 ft/NM to 8,000 ft.

741 words, about 4 min 5

Rough Engine in IMC: Which Airport?

You are single-pilot in a single-engine airplane, IMC at 8,000 ft, 40 NM from destination with 45 minutes of fuel in the selected tank and 30 minutes in the other. Five minutes ago the engine began running rough; EGT is fluctuating and you have lost about 150 RPM.

722 words, about 4 min