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Instrument Rating study materials
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Instrument Rating practice questions

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Question 1Preflight Preparation

Before operating an aircraft under IFR, the VOR receiver equipment must have been checked within the preceding...

  1. 90 days
  2. 30 days Correct answer.
  3. 12 calendar months
  4. 24 calendar months

Explanation

14 CFR 91.171 requires a VOR receiver check within the preceding 30 days, and the check must be recorded in the aircraft log or other record. The check may use an FAA VOR test facility, a designated ground checkpoint, or a dual VOR comparison.

Question 2Preflight Preparation

An aircraft transponder must be inspected and tested within the preceding...

  1. 30 days
  2. 12 consecutive months
  3. 24 calendar months Correct answer.
  4. 6 calendar months

Explanation

14 CFR 91.413 requires each transponder to be tested and inspected within the preceding 24 calendar months before use in controlled airspace. The test verifies altitude reporting accuracy and reply frequency.

Question 3Preflight Preparation

For IFR flight, the altimeter and static pressure systems must have been inspected and tested within the preceding...

  1. 36 calendar months
  2. 12 calendar months
  3. 24 calendar months Correct answer.
  4. 6 consecutive months

Explanation

14 CFR 91.411 requires the altimeter and static pressure systems to be tested within the preceding 24 calendar months. The test checks altimeter accuracy and static system integrity.

Question 4Preflight Preparation

For IFR flight, the fuel plan must include a reserve of at least...

  1. 15 minutes at normal cruise
  2. 60 minutes at normal cruise
  3. 45 minutes at normal cruise Correct answer.
  4. 30 minutes at normal cruise

Explanation

14 CFR 91.167 requires enough fuel to fly to the first airport of intended landing, then to the alternate if one is required, plus 45 minutes at normal cruising speed. This reserve applies to IFR operations.

Question 5Preflight Preparation

Above 14,000 feet MSL, the required minimum flight crew must be provided with and use supplemental oxygen...

  1. continuously while above 14,000 feet Correct answer.
  2. for any period exceeding 30 minutes
  3. only when above 15,000 feet
  4. for the entire time above 12,500 feet

Explanation

14 CFR 91.211 requires the required flight crew to use supplemental oxygen continuously while above 14,000 feet MSL. Between 12,500 and 14,000 feet, oxygen is required for that portion exceeding 30 minutes.

Question 6Preflight Preparation

In the IMSAFE checklist used for preflight self-assessment, the letter I stands for...

  1. Inattention
  2. Illness Correct answer.
  3. Instrumentation
  4. Icing

Explanation

IMSAFE stands for Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion. The checklist helps a pilot decide whether they are fit to fly before departure.

Question 7Preflight Preparation

Which product is an observation of current weather at an airport rather than a forecast?

  1. AIRMET
  2. METAR Correct answer.
  3. TAF
  4. SIGMET

Explanation

A METAR is an hourly or special observation of current conditions at an airport. A TAF is a forecast, while AIRMETs and SIGMETs are advisories for hazardous weather.

Question 8Preflight Preparation

Which item is required equipment for IFR flight in a single-engine airplane?

  1. An autopilot with altitude hold
  2. A rate-of-turn indicator Correct answer.
  3. A radar altimeter
  4. A landing light

Explanation

The GRABCARD list in 14 CFR 91.205 includes a rate-of-turn indicator, along with a generator, radios, attitude indicator, ball, clock, altimeter, and DME where required. A landing light, autopilot, and radar altimeter are not required for IFR.

Question 9Preflight Preparation

An IFR flight plan to an airport with an instrument approach requires an alternate unless the forecast weather at the destination, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after the ETA, is at least...

  1. ceiling 2,000 feet and visibility 3 SM Correct answer.
  2. ceiling 3,000 feet and visibility 5 SM
  3. ceiling 1,500 feet and visibility 2 SM
  4. ceiling 1,000 feet and visibility 3 SM

Explanation

The 1-2-3 rule in 14 CFR 91.169 requires an alternate unless the destination forecast is at least 2,000 feet ceiling and 3 statute miles visibility from 1 hour before to 1 hour after the ETA. If the forecast is lower, an alternate must be listed.

Question 10Preflight Preparation

When an alternate airport must be listed, what standard weather minimums apply at an airport with only a non-precision approach?

  1. Ceiling 1,000 feet and visibility 3 SM
  2. Ceiling 600 feet and visibility 2 SM
  3. Ceiling 800 feet and visibility 1 SM
  4. Ceiling 800 feet and visibility 2 SM Correct answer.

Explanation

Standard alternate minimums are 600 feet and 2 SM for a precision approach and 800 feet and 2 SM for a non-precision approach. Published non-standard alternate minimums, when shown on the approach chart, take precedence.

Question 11Preflight Preparation

DME is required for IFR flight at or above which altitude when VOR navigation is used?

  1. 14,000 feet MSL
  2. 20,000 feet MSL
  3. 24,000 feet MSL Correct answer.
  4. 18,000 feet MSL

Explanation

14 CFR 91.205(e) requires DME for IFR operations at or above 24,000 feet MSL when VOR navigation is used. The requirement ensures accurate distance information at high altitude.

Question 12Preflight Preparation

The ceiling of a weather observation is the height above ground of the...

  1. lowest broken or overcast layer Correct answer.
  2. highest broken layer reported in the area
  3. base of any cumulus cloud
  4. lowest scattered layer

Explanation

The ceiling is the height of the lowest broken or overcast layer, or the vertical visibility into an obscuration. Scattered layers and higher broken layers do not define the ceiling.

Question 13Preflight Preparation

Which condition requires an urgent pilot report (UUA)?

  1. Moderate rain at the surface
  2. A broken ceiling at 3,000 feet
  3. Light turbulence at cruise
  4. Severe icing in clouds Correct answer.

Explanation

Urgent PIREPs are used for severe icing, severe turbulence, wind shear, volcanic ash, or any condition that could affect safety. These reports are transmitted as UUA to alert other pilots and forecasters quickly.

Question 14Preflight Preparation

A change to a published instrument approach procedure is announced by...

  1. a NOTAM (L)
  2. a pointer NOTAM
  3. a NOTAM (D)
  4. an FDC NOTAM Correct answer.

Explanation

FDC NOTAMs carry regulatory and chart-change information, including amendments to instrument approach procedures. NOTAM (D) and NOTAM (L) cover distant and local operational information such as runway or lighting status.

Question 15Preflight Preparation

During preflight you find a piece of equipment not required by 91.205, an AD, or the aircraft's equipment list is inoperative. Under 91.213, you may...

  1. fly only with a mechanic's written approval in the logbook
  2. deactivate and placard it, then record the action Correct answer.
  3. ground the aircraft until a mechanic repairs and signs off the item
  4. fly only if the item is listed in the MEL

Explanation

14 CFR 91.213(d) allows operation with inoperative equipment that is not required by 91.205, an AD, or the equipment list, provided it is removed or deactivated, placarded, and a maintenance record entry is made. The item also must not affect the aircraft's airworthiness or safety.

Question 16Preflight Preparation

ADS-B Out is required for operation in which airspace?

  1. Class G airspace
  2. Class D airspace outside the Mode C veil
  3. Class B airspace Correct answer.
  4. Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL outside the Mode C veil

Explanation

14 CFR 91.225 requires ADS-B Out in Class A, B, and C airspace, in Class E above 10,000 feet MSL, and within the Mode C veil. Class B airspace is therefore one of the areas where the equipment is mandatory.

Question 17Preflight Preparation

A minimum en route altitude (MEA) assures obstacle clearance and...

  1. navigation reception only within 22 nautical miles
  2. radar coverage along the entire route
  3. communication coverage only
  4. navigation signal coverage over the whole segment Correct answer.

Explanation

An MEA provides obstacle clearance and navigation signal coverage for the entire route segment. A MOCA provides obstacle clearance but guarantees navigation signal only within 22 NM of the VOR.

Question 18Preflight Preparation

Flight into known icing conditions is...

  1. permitted if the pilot holds an instrument rating
  2. prohibited regardless of aircraft equipment
  3. permitted whenever the temperature is below freezing
  4. prohibited unless the aircraft is approved for it Correct answer.

Explanation

14 CFR 91.527 prohibits flight into known icing unless the aircraft is equipped and approved for icing conditions. The pilot's certificates and the outside temperature do not by themselves authorize the flight.

Question 19Preflight Preparation

To remain instrument current, within the preceding 6 calendar months a pilot must have performed...

  1. three approaches and one holding procedure
  2. four approaches in an approved simulator
  3. six approaches and holding procedures Correct answer.
  4. two approaches plus an instrument proficiency check

Explanation

14 CFR 61.57(c) requires six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses within the preceding 6 calendar months. The approaches may be flown in the aircraft, a simulator, or a training device as allowed.

Question 20Preflight Preparation

Flying from a warm air mass into a colder air mass at the same indicated altitude, the aircraft's true altitude will be...

  1. the same as indicated
  2. higher than indicated
  3. lower than indicated Correct answer.
  4. unaffected until 18,000 feet

Explanation

Cold air is denser, so the altimeter senses a pressure normally found at a lower true altitude and overreads. The rule 'high to low, look out below' warns that true altitude is lower than indicated in colder air.

Question 21Preflight Preparation

If the aircraft's GPS receiver lacks fault detection and exclusion, the pilot must...

  1. confirm RAIM availability for the arrival time Correct answer.
  2. request radar vectors to the final approach course
  3. use only ground-based navigation for the approach
  4. file the approach as a non-precision approach

Explanation

Without fault detection and exclusion, the receiver cannot independently verify signal integrity, so the pilot must predict RAIM availability for the planned arrival time. A receiver with FDE, or a WAAS receiver, handles this function internally.

Question 22Preflight Preparation

On an instrument approach, descent below the DA or MDA is permitted only when...

  1. flight visibility is at minimums and a required reference is visible Correct answer.
  2. the approach lighting system is distinctly visible at any distance
  3. the airport control tower reports visibility at or above the minimums
  4. the runway threshold markings are in sight

Explanation

14 CFR 91.175(c) requires the flight visibility to be at least the minimum and one of the listed visual references, such as the approach lights or runway environment, to be distinctly visible. A tower report alone does not satisfy the rule.

Question 23Preflight Preparation

In a dual VOR check, the maximum permissible difference between the two VOR receivers is...

  1. plus or minus 10 degrees
  2. plus or minus 6 degrees
  3. plus or minus 4 degrees Correct answer.
  4. plus or minus 2 degrees

Explanation

14 CFR 91.171 permits a dual VOR check when the two receivers agree within plus or minus 4 degrees. The check must be logged with the date, place, bearing error, and signature.

Question 24Preflight Preparation

An airport without an instrument approach may be listed as an IFR alternate if...

  1. the aircraft can descend from the MEA and land under VFR Correct answer.
  2. the airport has an approved circling approach
  3. the forecast ceiling at the alternate is at least 2,000 feet
  4. the pilot has flown the route before

Explanation

14 CFR 91.169(c)(2) allows an airport without an instrument approach to serve as an alternate if the aircraft can descend from the MEA and make a VFR approach and landing. The pilot must also ensure the weather permits that descent and landing.

Question 25Preflight Preparation

A flight is planned at 13,000 feet MSL for 2 hours. When must the required flight crew use supplemental oxygen?

  1. Only above 14,000 feet
  2. After 30 minutes at that altitude Correct answer.
  3. For the entire time at that altitude
  4. After 1 hour at that altitude

Explanation

Between 12,500 and 14,000 feet MSL, 14 CFR 91.211 requires the required flight crew to use oxygen for that part of the flight exceeding 30 minutes. At 13,000 feet, oxygen use begins after the first 30 minutes.

Question 26Preflight Procedures

Before departing on an IFR flight, what minimum fuel must be aboard the aircraft?

  1. Destination plus one hour at normal cruising speed
  2. Destination and alternate plus 15 minutes at normal cruise
  3. Destination plus 30 minutes at normal cruising speed in still air
  4. Destination, or destination and alternate, plus 45 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Under §91.167 the aircraft must carry enough fuel to fly to the first airport of intended landing, then to the filed alternate when one is required, and thereafter for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed.

Question 27Preflight Procedures

An alternate airport must be listed in the IFR flight plan when the destination forecast, for at least one hour before and after the ETA, shows:

  1. A ceiling below 2,000 feet or visibility below 3 SM Correct answer.
  2. A ceiling below 1,000 feet or visibility below 2 statute miles
  3. A ceiling of 3,000 feet and visibility of 5 SM
  4. A ceiling below 500 feet or visibility below 1 SM

Explanation

Section 91.169 requires an alternate when the destination ceiling is forecast below 2,000 feet or the visibility below 3 statute miles during the one-hour window before and after ETA, or when no terminal forecast is available.

Question 28Preflight Procedures

You select an alternate airport that has a precision approach. Under standard alternate minimums, the forecast at your ETA must be at least:

  1. Ceiling 800 feet and visibility 2 SM
  2. Ceiling 600 feet and visibility 1 SM
  3. Ceiling 600 feet and visibility 2 SM Correct answer.
  4. Ceiling 1,000 feet and visibility 3 SM

Explanation

Standard alternate minimums for an airport with a precision approach are a 600-foot ceiling and 2 SM visibility. Higher minimums published in the alternate minimums section of the approach charts take precedence.

Question 29Preflight Procedures

An alternate airport served only by a non-precision approach must, under standard alternate minimums, have a forecast of at least:

  1. Ceiling 1,000 feet and visibility 3 SM
  2. Ceiling 800 feet and visibility 2 SM Correct answer.
  3. Ceiling 600 feet and visibility 2 SM
  4. Ceiling 800 feet and visibility 1 SM

Explanation

When the only approach at the alternate is non-precision, standard alternate minimums call for an 800-foot ceiling and 2 SM visibility unless higher published minimums apply.

Question 30Preflight Procedures

You want to name an alternate airport that has no instrument approach procedure. For that airport to be legal, the forecast at your ETA must allow:

  1. A contact approach from the MEA
  2. A circling approach to the active runway
  3. An ASR approach using radar vectors
  4. A descent from the MEA and landing under VFR Correct answer.

Explanation

An alternate without an approved instrument approach may be listed only if the weather at the ETA allows a descent from the minimum en route altitude and landing under basic VFR. Otherwise the alternate must have an approved approach procedure.

Question 31Preflight Procedures

No terminal aerodrome forecast is available for your destination. How does this affect the flight plan?

  1. The flight must be conducted under VFR
  2. An alternate airport must be listed Correct answer.
  3. The destination must be changed to an airport with a TAF
  4. Nothing changes, because the area forecast may be substituted

Explanation

An alternate is required unless the destination has a standard instrument approach and a forecast showing at least a 2,000-foot ceiling and 3 SM visibility for the hour before and after ETA. Without a TAF that showing cannot be made, so an alternate must be filed.

Question 32Preflight Procedures

The clock required for IFR flight must display:

  1. Hours, minutes, and seconds, sweep-hand or digital Correct answer.
  2. Local time in hours and minutes, updated to the nearest minute
  3. Coordinated universal time with a 24-hour display
  4. Elapsed time in hours, minutes, and tenths of an hour

Explanation

Section 91.205(d) requires a clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds with either a sweep-second pointer or a digital presentation, so that timing of approaches and holds can be done precisely.

Question 33Preflight Procedures

A gyroscopic rate-of-turn indicator may be omitted from an IFR-equipped airplane when:

  1. An autopilot with altitude hold is installed
  2. A slip-skid indicator is installed instead
  3. The airplane is approved for single-pilot IFR
  4. A third attitude instrument system is installed and usable Correct answer.

Explanation

The IFR equipment list requires a rate-of-turn indicator except when a third attitude instrument system is installed and usable, which provides equivalent attitude information.

Question 34Preflight Procedures

Which item is required equipment for IFR flight under §91.205(d)?

  1. A landing light for night operations
  2. An autopilot with altitude hold
  3. A generator or alternator of adequate capacity Correct answer.
  4. A storm detection radar system

Explanation

The IFR equipment list begins with a generator or alternator of adequate capacity, followed by radios, gyroscopic instruments, a sensitive altimeter, and a clock.

Question 35Preflight Procedures

An IFR flight is planned at FL270. What navigation equipment does the regulation require in addition to the basic IFR instruments?

  1. DME or other approved distance measuring equipment Correct answer.
  2. An approved RNAV system with a current database
  3. A radar altimeter
  4. A second VOR receiver

Explanation

Section 91.205(d) requires DME or other approved distance measuring equipment for flight at or above 24,000 feet MSL, a rule tied to the navigation accuracy needed in the high-altitude structure.

Question 36Preflight Procedures

VOR equipment used for IFR navigation must be checked within the preceding:

  1. 24 calendar months
  2. 12 calendar months
  3. 30 days Correct answer.
  4. 60 days

Explanation

Section 91.171 requires the VOR check within the 30 days before the IFR flight in which the equipment is used, with the check recorded in the aircraft log.

Question 37Preflight Procedures

During an airborne VOR check, the indicated bearing must be within how many degrees of the designated radial?

  1. Plus or minus 10 degrees
  2. Plus or minus 6 degrees Correct answer.
  3. Plus or minus 4 degrees
  4. Plus or minus 2 degrees

Explanation

Section 91.171 allows plus or minus 6 degrees at an airborne checkpoint, while a VOT, ground checkpoint, or dual-receiver check allows only plus or minus 4 degrees.

Question 38Preflight Procedures

The altimeter and static pressure system of an aircraft used for IFR flight must have been tested within the preceding:

  1. 6 calendar months
  2. 12 calendar months
  3. 24 calendar months Correct answer.
  4. 30 days

Explanation

Section 91.411 requires the altimeter and static pressure system to be inspected and tested every 24 calendar months for IFR operations.

Question 39Preflight Procedures

The ATC transponder must be tested and inspected within the preceding:

  1. 24 calendar months Correct answer.
  2. 90 days
  3. 6 calendar months
  4. 12 calendar months

Explanation

Section 91.413 requires the transponder to be tested and inspected every 24 calendar months; the same interval governs the altimeter and static system check.

Question 40Preflight Procedures

On preflight, with the current altimeter setting set in the window, the altimeter should read within what tolerance of the airport elevation?

  1. 25 feet
  2. 10 feet
  3. 75 feet Correct answer.
  4. 200 feet

Explanation

A sensitive altimeter should indicate field elevation within 75 feet when the correct setting is entered. A larger discrepancy suggests an instrument or static system problem that must be corrected before IFR flight.

Question 41Preflight Procedures

To act as pilot in command under IFR, the pilot must have performed and logged within the preceding six calendar months:

  1. Six approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking courses Correct answer.
  2. Three approaches and two hours of instrument time
  3. Six approaches and six hours of actual or simulated instrument time
  4. Four approaches and one hour of simulated instrument flight

Explanation

Section 61.57(c) requires six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of an electronic navigation system within the preceding six calendar months.

Question 42Preflight Procedures

A pilot who has not met the recent instrument experience requirements may not:

  1. Act as pilot in command under IFR Correct answer.
  2. Act as second in command on an IFR flight
  3. Carry passengers on a VFR cross-country flight
  4. Fly at night under visual flight rules with passengers aboard

Explanation

A lapsed instrument pilot may not act as PIC on an IFR flight plan or in weather below the VFR minimums until the experience is regained or an instrument proficiency check is passed.

Question 43Preflight Procedures

For IFR operations with a GPS navigation system, the airborne navigation database must be:

  1. Current, or verified by the pilot as not affecting the flight Correct answer.
  2. Updated within the previous 12 months
  3. The same revision as the paper approach charts carried
  4. Approved by the FAA for the specific route of flight

Explanation

An expired database may be used only if the pilot verifies that the obsolete data are not relevant to the planned route, waypoints, and approaches. Otherwise the database must be current.

Question 44Preflight Procedures

Under Part 91, when an airport has no published takeoff minimums, the minimum visibility for takeoff is:

  1. No minimum, so takeoff is permitted in zero visibility Correct answer.
  2. One-half statute mile
  3. The lowest approach minimum for that runway
  4. One statute mile

Explanation

Part 91 prescribes no takeoff minimums, so a departure may be made with zero ceiling and visibility unless an obstacle departure procedure, an operations specification, or company policy sets a higher standard.

Question 45Preflight Procedures

Without supplemental oxygen, how long may the flight crew remain at cabin pressure altitudes between 12,500 and 14,000 feet MSL?

  1. 15 minutes
  2. 30 minutes Correct answer.
  3. 45 minutes
  4. One hour

Explanation

Section 91.211 allows no more than 30 minutes in that altitude band without supplemental oxygen; above 14,000 feet the crew must be provided with and use oxygen continuously.

Question 46Preflight Procedures

Under Part 91, flight into known icing conditions is authorized only if the airplane:

  1. Has a turbocharged or turbine engine
  2. Can sustain a 500 feet per minute climb
  3. Is flown by a pilot holding a current instrument rating
  4. Is equipped with operable ice protection appropriate to the conditions Correct answer.

Explanation

Flight in known icing requires an airplane equipped with functioning ice protection adequate for the conditions, and the airplane's approved flight manual must permit operation in icing.

Question 47Preflight Procedures

You have already received a complete standard briefing and only need to update the forecast for one airport. Which briefing should you request?

  1. Standard briefing
  2. Outlook briefing
  3. Abbreviated briefing Correct answer.
  4. In-flight briefing

Explanation

An abbreviated briefing is a shortened version that updates or supplements previously received information, which fits a request for a single updated item.

Question 48Preflight Procedures

A temporary runway closure or an outage of a navigation aid along your route is published in:

  1. The aircraft's approved flight manual
  2. The airport's instrument approach plates
  3. Notices to Air Missions included in the preflight briefing Correct answer.
  4. The Chart Supplement

Explanation

Temporary conditions such as runway closures, navaid outages, and airspace restrictions are issued as Notices to Air Missions, which are included in a complete preflight briefing.

Question 49Preflight Procedures

In air much colder than standard, flying at a constant indicated altitude over high terrain, the true altitude of the aircraft is:

  1. Higher than the indicated altitude
  2. Higher, but only above the transition level
  3. Lower than the indicated altitude Correct answer.
  4. Equal to the indicated altitude

Explanation

Cold, dense air compresses the pressure levels toward the surface, so the altimeter overreads and the aircraft is actually lower than indicated. The error is most hazardous at high-elevation airports and when crossing terrain.

Question 50Preflight Procedures

During preflight you find a required instrument inoperative on an aircraft that has no approved minimum equipment list. Before flight you must:

  1. Determine whether the aircraft is airworthy under §91.213(d) Correct answer.
  2. Fly the aircraft to a repair station under a special flight permit
  3. Log the discrepancy and depart as long as the flight is under VFR
  4. Obtain a special flight permit from the local FSDO

Explanation

With no MEL, §91.213(d) allows flight with inoperative instruments only if they are not required by the equipment list or the operating rules, are removed or deactivated and placarded, and the aircraft is otherwise airworthy.