Instrument Stage Check Oral Guide
Questions and Answers | Latest Update |
2024/2025 | Graded A+
What are the basic components of a standard flight plan?
✔✔A standard flight plan includes the aircraft's identification, departure and destination airports,
route of flight, estimated departure time, and any alternate airports.
What information does a METAR report provide?
✔✔A METAR report provides essential weather information, including temperature, dew point,
wind direction and speed, visibility, and significant weather phenomena at an airport.
How do pilots utilize the PAVE checklist for risk assessment?
✔✔The PAVE checklist helps pilots assess risk by evaluating Pilot factors, Aircraft conditions,
enVironment, and External pressures before flight.
What does "scud running" mean, and why is it risky?
✔✔"Scud running" refers to flying at low altitudes in poor visibility, often below cloud cover,
which is risky due to obstacles and lack of situational awareness.
1
,Explain the importance of conducting a thorough preflight inspection.
✔✔A thorough preflight inspection ensures the aircraft is safe to fly by identifying any
mechanical issues or hazards that could affect performance or safety.
What actions should a pilot take if they experience a total electrical failure in flight?
✔✔In the event of a total electrical failure, the pilot should maintain control of the aircraft, use
backup instruments if available, and consider diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
How can a pilot use a standard terminal arrival route (STAR)?
✔✔A STAR provides a structured transition from the en route phase to the approach phase,
helping pilots manage altitude and speed for landing at busy airports.
What is the function of the altimeter, and how should it be set before departure?
✔✔The altimeter measures the aircraft's altitude and should be set to the local altimeter setting
provided by ATC before departure to ensure accurate altitude readings.
How do pilots determine when to initiate a descent during an approach?
2
,✔✔Pilots determine when to initiate a descent by using published descent points on approach
charts, considering their altitude and distance from the runway.
What steps should a pilot follow in the event of a GPS failure?
✔✔In the event of a GPS failure, pilots should revert to using traditional navigation methods,
such as VOR or NDB, and communicate their situation to ATC.
What is the significance of the 1-2-3 rule in IFR flying?
✔✔The 1-2-3 rule states that a pilot should have three alternatives in mind for any flight
scenario: a primary route, an alternate route, and an emergency landing location.
How can a pilot identify and avoid wake turbulence?
✔✔Pilots can identify and avoid wake turbulence by maintaining safe distances from larger
aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing phases.
What factors should a pilot consider when selecting an alternate airport?
✔✔When selecting an alternate airport, pilots should consider weather conditions, runway
length, available services, and proximity to the intended route.
3
, Explain the concept of “Minimum Safe Altitude” (MSA).
✔✔Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) is the lowest altitude that provides a minimum clearance of
terrain and obstacles while ensuring safe navigation in the event of lost communication.
What is the purpose of holding patterns in IFR flight?
✔✔Holding patterns are used to manage air traffic flow, allowing pilots to maintain separation
while waiting for clearance to continue their approach or departure.
What is the role of the autopilot during instrument approaches?
✔✔The autopilot can assist with maintaining altitude, heading, and navigation, allowing pilots to
focus on monitoring instruments and communicating with air traffic control.
Define "VFR on top" and its implications for IFR flight.
✔✔"VFR on top" allows pilots to fly VFR above a solid layer of clouds while still under IFR,
requiring them to maintain visual separation from other traffic.
How do pilots interpret approach plates?
✔✔Pilots interpret approach plates by analyzing the provided charts for necessary altitudes,
navigation aids, and specific instructions to ensure safe landings.
4
Questions and Answers | Latest Update |
2024/2025 | Graded A+
What are the basic components of a standard flight plan?
✔✔A standard flight plan includes the aircraft's identification, departure and destination airports,
route of flight, estimated departure time, and any alternate airports.
What information does a METAR report provide?
✔✔A METAR report provides essential weather information, including temperature, dew point,
wind direction and speed, visibility, and significant weather phenomena at an airport.
How do pilots utilize the PAVE checklist for risk assessment?
✔✔The PAVE checklist helps pilots assess risk by evaluating Pilot factors, Aircraft conditions,
enVironment, and External pressures before flight.
What does "scud running" mean, and why is it risky?
✔✔"Scud running" refers to flying at low altitudes in poor visibility, often below cloud cover,
which is risky due to obstacles and lack of situational awareness.
1
,Explain the importance of conducting a thorough preflight inspection.
✔✔A thorough preflight inspection ensures the aircraft is safe to fly by identifying any
mechanical issues or hazards that could affect performance or safety.
What actions should a pilot take if they experience a total electrical failure in flight?
✔✔In the event of a total electrical failure, the pilot should maintain control of the aircraft, use
backup instruments if available, and consider diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
How can a pilot use a standard terminal arrival route (STAR)?
✔✔A STAR provides a structured transition from the en route phase to the approach phase,
helping pilots manage altitude and speed for landing at busy airports.
What is the function of the altimeter, and how should it be set before departure?
✔✔The altimeter measures the aircraft's altitude and should be set to the local altimeter setting
provided by ATC before departure to ensure accurate altitude readings.
How do pilots determine when to initiate a descent during an approach?
2
,✔✔Pilots determine when to initiate a descent by using published descent points on approach
charts, considering their altitude and distance from the runway.
What steps should a pilot follow in the event of a GPS failure?
✔✔In the event of a GPS failure, pilots should revert to using traditional navigation methods,
such as VOR or NDB, and communicate their situation to ATC.
What is the significance of the 1-2-3 rule in IFR flying?
✔✔The 1-2-3 rule states that a pilot should have three alternatives in mind for any flight
scenario: a primary route, an alternate route, and an emergency landing location.
How can a pilot identify and avoid wake turbulence?
✔✔Pilots can identify and avoid wake turbulence by maintaining safe distances from larger
aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing phases.
What factors should a pilot consider when selecting an alternate airport?
✔✔When selecting an alternate airport, pilots should consider weather conditions, runway
length, available services, and proximity to the intended route.
3
, Explain the concept of “Minimum Safe Altitude” (MSA).
✔✔Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) is the lowest altitude that provides a minimum clearance of
terrain and obstacles while ensuring safe navigation in the event of lost communication.
What is the purpose of holding patterns in IFR flight?
✔✔Holding patterns are used to manage air traffic flow, allowing pilots to maintain separation
while waiting for clearance to continue their approach or departure.
What is the role of the autopilot during instrument approaches?
✔✔The autopilot can assist with maintaining altitude, heading, and navigation, allowing pilots to
focus on monitoring instruments and communicating with air traffic control.
Define "VFR on top" and its implications for IFR flight.
✔✔"VFR on top" allows pilots to fly VFR above a solid layer of clouds while still under IFR,
requiring them to maintain visual separation from other traffic.
How do pilots interpret approach plates?
✔✔Pilots interpret approach plates by analyzing the provided charts for necessary altitudes,
navigation aids, and specific instructions to ensure safe landings.
4
