Instrument Stage 2 Questions and
Answers Latest Update Already Passed
What is the primary purpose of a holding pattern?
✔✔ To delay an aircraft’s approach while maintaining a predetermined flight path.
How does a pilot determine the direction of turn in a standard holding pattern?
✔✔ Right turns are standard unless otherwise instructed.
What should a pilot do if they are unable to maintain the assigned holding altitude due to
turbulence?
✔✔ Advise ATC immediately and request an altitude change.
What is the maximum airspeed for holding at 6,000 feet MSL?
✔✔ 200 knots indicated airspeed.
Why do pilots adjust outbound leg timing in a holding pattern?
✔✔ To ensure the inbound leg meets the required time limit.
1
,What is the purpose of an instrument approach procedure?
✔✔ To guide an aircraft safely from the en route structure to a runway under IFR conditions.
What is the standard direction of a procedure turn?
✔✔ Left or right, as specified on the approach plate.
How does a pilot determine when to descend from the minimum holding altitude?
✔✔ Upon receiving an approach clearance or when established on a published segment.
What should a pilot do if experiencing a radio failure while in a holding pattern?
✔✔ Depart the hold at the expected time and proceed with the filed lost communication
procedures.
Why do instrument pilots use a holding fix?
✔✔ To establish a predictable position for sequencing and traffic management.
How does a pilot know they have crossed the final approach fix?
✔✔ Identified by a marker beacon, DME reading, or a navigational aid.
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,What is the purpose of the missed approach procedure?
✔✔ To provide guidance for a safe climb and transition back to the en route structure or a
holding pattern.
What should a pilot do if they break out of the clouds and see the runway environment while on
an instrument approach?
✔✔ Continue the approach and land if the aircraft is in a safe position to do so.
What does “hold as published” mean when given by ATC?
✔✔ Fly the holding pattern depicted on the chart without modifications.
Why is a teardrop entry sometimes used for holding?
✔✔ It allows a smoother transition into the holding pattern when approaching at an acute angle.
What action should be taken if a pilot reaches the holding fix before the expected time?
✔✔ Continue the hold as instructed and inform ATC if necessary.
3
, How does a pilot determine the holding leg inbound heading?
✔✔ It is aligned with the published radial or bearing to the fix.
What should a pilot do if the holding clearance includes an EFC (Expect Further Clearance)
time?
✔✔ Be prepared to leave the hold at that time if no further instructions are received.
How does a pilot confirm they are established in the holding pattern?
✔✔ By verifying the aircraft is tracking the correct inbound and outbound legs.
What should a pilot do if strong winds cause excessive drift in a hold?
✔✔ Adjust the outbound heading to compensate and maintain proper alignment.
How does a pilot transition from a holding pattern to an instrument approach?
✔✔ Follow ATC clearance and intercept the approach course as required.
What is the purpose of the inbound leg in a holding pattern?
✔✔ To align the aircraft with the holding fix for sequencing and further clearance.
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Answers Latest Update Already Passed
What is the primary purpose of a holding pattern?
✔✔ To delay an aircraft’s approach while maintaining a predetermined flight path.
How does a pilot determine the direction of turn in a standard holding pattern?
✔✔ Right turns are standard unless otherwise instructed.
What should a pilot do if they are unable to maintain the assigned holding altitude due to
turbulence?
✔✔ Advise ATC immediately and request an altitude change.
What is the maximum airspeed for holding at 6,000 feet MSL?
✔✔ 200 knots indicated airspeed.
Why do pilots adjust outbound leg timing in a holding pattern?
✔✔ To ensure the inbound leg meets the required time limit.
1
,What is the purpose of an instrument approach procedure?
✔✔ To guide an aircraft safely from the en route structure to a runway under IFR conditions.
What is the standard direction of a procedure turn?
✔✔ Left or right, as specified on the approach plate.
How does a pilot determine when to descend from the minimum holding altitude?
✔✔ Upon receiving an approach clearance or when established on a published segment.
What should a pilot do if experiencing a radio failure while in a holding pattern?
✔✔ Depart the hold at the expected time and proceed with the filed lost communication
procedures.
Why do instrument pilots use a holding fix?
✔✔ To establish a predictable position for sequencing and traffic management.
How does a pilot know they have crossed the final approach fix?
✔✔ Identified by a marker beacon, DME reading, or a navigational aid.
2
,What is the purpose of the missed approach procedure?
✔✔ To provide guidance for a safe climb and transition back to the en route structure or a
holding pattern.
What should a pilot do if they break out of the clouds and see the runway environment while on
an instrument approach?
✔✔ Continue the approach and land if the aircraft is in a safe position to do so.
What does “hold as published” mean when given by ATC?
✔✔ Fly the holding pattern depicted on the chart without modifications.
Why is a teardrop entry sometimes used for holding?
✔✔ It allows a smoother transition into the holding pattern when approaching at an acute angle.
What action should be taken if a pilot reaches the holding fix before the expected time?
✔✔ Continue the hold as instructed and inform ATC if necessary.
3
, How does a pilot determine the holding leg inbound heading?
✔✔ It is aligned with the published radial or bearing to the fix.
What should a pilot do if the holding clearance includes an EFC (Expect Further Clearance)
time?
✔✔ Be prepared to leave the hold at that time if no further instructions are received.
How does a pilot confirm they are established in the holding pattern?
✔✔ By verifying the aircraft is tracking the correct inbound and outbound legs.
What should a pilot do if strong winds cause excessive drift in a hold?
✔✔ Adjust the outbound heading to compensate and maintain proper alignment.
How does a pilot transition from a holding pattern to an instrument approach?
✔✔ Follow ATC clearance and intercept the approach course as required.
What is the purpose of the inbound leg in a holding pattern?
✔✔ To align the aircraft with the holding fix for sequencing and further clearance.
4
