Instrument Checkride Questions and
Answers | Latest Update | 2024/2025 |
100% Pass
What are the requirements to hold an instrument rating?
✔✔To hold an instrument rating, a pilot must complete a specific number of flight hours,
including instrument flight time, pass a knowledge test, and successfully complete a practical
test.
What is the function of the pitot-static system in an aircraft?
✔✔The pitot-static system measures airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed by using dynamic and
static air pressure to provide crucial flight information.
What is the purpose of holding patterns?
✔✔Holding patterns are used to manage air traffic and maintain separation during delays,
allowing pilots to remain in a designated area while awaiting further instructions from air traffic
control.
Explain the concept of "alternating air" in an aircraft.
1
,✔✔Alternating air is used to ensure accurate readings in instruments like the airspeed indicator
and altimeter, especially when ice or moisture can obstruct proper function.
What are the basic components of a GPS system in aviation?
✔✔The basic components of a GPS system include satellites, ground control stations, and the
receiver, which works together to provide precise location and navigation data.
How do you identify and mitigate spatial disorientation in flight?
✔✔Spatial disorientation can be mitigated by relying on instruments, understanding the aircraft’s
systems, and practicing instrument flight to develop better situational awareness.
What is the difference between a category II and category III ILS approach?
✔✔Category II ILS approaches allow for lower visibility minimums than Category I, while
Category III approaches can be flown in very low visibility conditions, often down to zero
visibility.
How does the aircraft's autopilot system enhance safety during instrument flight?
✔✔The autopilot system helps reduce pilot workload by maintaining altitude, heading, and
navigation, allowing pilots to focus on monitoring instruments and external conditions.
2
,What actions should be taken during an instrument failure?
✔✔During an instrument failure, the pilot should confirm the failure through cross-checking
instruments, revert to basic flying skills, and communicate with air traffic control for assistance.
How do weather conditions impact instrument flight?
✔✔Weather conditions can significantly impact instrument flight, including visibility
restrictions, turbulence, and the potential for icing, necessitating thorough preflight planning and
in-flight assessments.
Explain the importance of using checklists during instrument flight.
✔✔Using checklists is crucial during instrument flight as they ensure that all necessary
procedures are completed systematically, reducing the likelihood of errors.
What is the function of the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)?
✔✔DME provides pilots with the distance to a VOR station, allowing for better situational
awareness and navigation accuracy during flight.
Describe how to use the approach plate during an instrument approach.
3
, ✔✔The approach plate outlines the procedure for the approach, including altitudes, waypoints,
and approach paths, and should be referenced continuously during the descent.
How do you determine your position in relation to an NDB?
✔✔To determine your position relative to an NDB (Non-Directional Beacon), you can fly a
radial using your ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) to track your location concerning the
beacon.
What steps should a pilot take to prepare for a cross-country instrument flight?
✔✔A pilot should review weather conditions, file a flight plan, check the status of navigational
aids, and ensure all necessary charts and instruments are on board.
How do you interpret an ILS approach chart?
✔✔An ILS approach chart includes vital information such as the final approach course,
minimum descent altitude, and missed approach procedures, all of which must be understood
before executing the approach.
What is the purpose of the missed approach procedure?
4
Answers | Latest Update | 2024/2025 |
100% Pass
What are the requirements to hold an instrument rating?
✔✔To hold an instrument rating, a pilot must complete a specific number of flight hours,
including instrument flight time, pass a knowledge test, and successfully complete a practical
test.
What is the function of the pitot-static system in an aircraft?
✔✔The pitot-static system measures airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed by using dynamic and
static air pressure to provide crucial flight information.
What is the purpose of holding patterns?
✔✔Holding patterns are used to manage air traffic and maintain separation during delays,
allowing pilots to remain in a designated area while awaiting further instructions from air traffic
control.
Explain the concept of "alternating air" in an aircraft.
1
,✔✔Alternating air is used to ensure accurate readings in instruments like the airspeed indicator
and altimeter, especially when ice or moisture can obstruct proper function.
What are the basic components of a GPS system in aviation?
✔✔The basic components of a GPS system include satellites, ground control stations, and the
receiver, which works together to provide precise location and navigation data.
How do you identify and mitigate spatial disorientation in flight?
✔✔Spatial disorientation can be mitigated by relying on instruments, understanding the aircraft’s
systems, and practicing instrument flight to develop better situational awareness.
What is the difference between a category II and category III ILS approach?
✔✔Category II ILS approaches allow for lower visibility minimums than Category I, while
Category III approaches can be flown in very low visibility conditions, often down to zero
visibility.
How does the aircraft's autopilot system enhance safety during instrument flight?
✔✔The autopilot system helps reduce pilot workload by maintaining altitude, heading, and
navigation, allowing pilots to focus on monitoring instruments and external conditions.
2
,What actions should be taken during an instrument failure?
✔✔During an instrument failure, the pilot should confirm the failure through cross-checking
instruments, revert to basic flying skills, and communicate with air traffic control for assistance.
How do weather conditions impact instrument flight?
✔✔Weather conditions can significantly impact instrument flight, including visibility
restrictions, turbulence, and the potential for icing, necessitating thorough preflight planning and
in-flight assessments.
Explain the importance of using checklists during instrument flight.
✔✔Using checklists is crucial during instrument flight as they ensure that all necessary
procedures are completed systematically, reducing the likelihood of errors.
What is the function of the DME (Distance Measuring Equipment)?
✔✔DME provides pilots with the distance to a VOR station, allowing for better situational
awareness and navigation accuracy during flight.
Describe how to use the approach plate during an instrument approach.
3
, ✔✔The approach plate outlines the procedure for the approach, including altitudes, waypoints,
and approach paths, and should be referenced continuously during the descent.
How do you determine your position in relation to an NDB?
✔✔To determine your position relative to an NDB (Non-Directional Beacon), you can fly a
radial using your ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) to track your location concerning the
beacon.
What steps should a pilot take to prepare for a cross-country instrument flight?
✔✔A pilot should review weather conditions, file a flight plan, check the status of navigational
aids, and ensure all necessary charts and instruments are on board.
How do you interpret an ILS approach chart?
✔✔An ILS approach chart includes vital information such as the final approach course,
minimum descent altitude, and missed approach procedures, all of which must be understood
before executing the approach.
What is the purpose of the missed approach procedure?
4
