Instrument Rating study plan

Decode and read back 20 text-format IFR clearances, capturing clearance limit, route, altitude, frequency, and transponder code with zero missed elements.

State the required pilot action and readback obligation for each clearance element plus hold-short, departure release, and 'expect further clearance' instructions.

Calculate clearance void times and EFC-based fuel/alternate decisions across 10 time-stamped scenarios.

Differentiate 'cleared as filed,' preferred route, and full route clearances, and write the standard phraseology for requesting and accepting an amendment.

Diagram the attitude-instrument relationships for straight-and-level flight, standard-rate turns, climbs, and descents, and describe the cross-check pattern that detects each deviation.

Predict the resulting pitch, bank, power, and airspeed indications for 10 described control inputs made solely by reference to instruments.

Write the recovery sequence for nose-high and nose-low unusual attitudes, including power, bank, pitch, and airspeed limitations.

Compute standard-rate turn headings, timed-turn bank angles, and magnetic compass turning/acceleration errors for 10 given headings.

Order the segments of an instrument approach (feeder, initial, intermediate, final, missed) and state the obstacle-clearance standard applied to each.

Distinguish DA/DH from MDA and identify the visual references and requisite equipment that permit descent below each.

Sequence the stabilized-approach criteria and the go-around decision point, then script a full missed-approach callout and climb flow.

Compare ILS, LOC, RNAV LPV, RNAV LNAV, VOR, and NDB approaches by sensitivity, required equipment, and applicable minimums.

Resolve 15 VOR/CDI problems involving radial interception, course tracking, station passage, and reverse sensing using the ambiguity-resolution rule.

Explain RAIM prediction, WAAS/LPV integrity, and navigation database currency, and judge whether a described flight is legally authorized.

Describe RNAV route structure, including Q and T routes, direct-to off-route operations, and terminal-area routing, and state how each is filed and flown.

Identify VOR, DME, and GPS failure modes and the required equipment substitution, notation, and ATC notification for each.

Apply recent instrument experience and currency requirements to five pilot scenarios and state the exact actions needed to regain currency.

Decode METAR, TAF, PIREP, and wind-aloft text and reach a go/no-go decision for five described flights, including alternate selection and fuel requirements.

Verify required inspections, documents, and equipment for IFR flight (altimeter/static and transponder checks, database currency, required instruments) against three described aircraft statuses.

Compute takeoff minimums, alternate minimums, and IFR fuel reserves for two text-described routes.

Describe the failure indications and remaining reliable instruments for vacuum, pitot-static, and alternator failures, and state the immediate pilot actions for each.

Script lost-communications actions in IMC, covering route, altitude, and clearance selection under both VMC and IMC conditions.

Explain partial-panel and electrical-failure handling, including when to declare an emergency and request priority handling.

Outline icing-encounter escape procedures and the diversion decision framework, and identify the reports required afterward.

Build a complete IFR flight plan for a text-described scenario, selecting route, altitude, departure and arrival procedures, alternate, and fuel.

Describe postflight recordkeeping: logging approaches and holding procedures, tracking currency, and documenting equipment discrepancies.

Explain required reports and notifications after an IFR event, including when a NASA ASRS report or equipment malfunction report is appropriate.

Re-work three previously missed quiz items and write a root-cause explanation for each.

Complete two timed 60-question practice exams spanning all eight domains and log every missed item with a root cause.

Recite from memory the clearance readback elements, approach-briefing items, and missed-approach callouts in one unbroken flow.

Target the two lowest-scoring domains from the practice exams and re-drill them with focused sub-quizzes until scoring 90% or better.

Assemble a final one-page weak-area summary with the specific corrective action for each remaining gap.