Instrument Stage 2 Questions and
Answers | Latest Update | 2024/2025 |
100% Pass
How does a pilot determine their position when flying solely on instruments?
✔✔Pilots determine their position using navigation aids like VORs, GPS, and by referencing
their flight instruments, often cross-referencing multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
Explain the significance of the "21-day rule" for instrument flight training.
✔✔The "21-day rule" states that if a pilot does not log instrument flight time within 21 days,
they must complete a proficiency check to regain currency.
What are the requirements for obtaining an Instrument Rating?
✔✔Requirements typically include a minimum number of flight hours, completion of ground
school, passing a written exam, and demonstrating instrument flight proficiency in an aircraft.
What are the common types of instrument approaches a pilot might use?
✔✔Common types include ILS (Instrument Landing System), LOC (Localizer), VOR (VHF
Omnidirectional Range), and RNAV (Area Navigation) approaches.
1
,Describe the function of the altimeter in IFR operations.
✔✔The altimeter measures the aircraft's altitude above sea level, using barometric pressure,
which is crucial for maintaining safe vertical separation from terrain and other aircraft.
What is a “standard rate turn,” and why is it important in instrument flying?
✔✔A standard rate turn is a turn of 3 degrees per second, allowing pilots to maintain a
predictable and safe flight path during IFR operations.
How does weather affect instrument approaches, and what should a pilot do?
✔✔Weather can impact visibility and cloud cover, requiring pilots to assess conditions, possibly
divert to alternate airports, and use proper approach procedures as outlined in their training.
What is the role of a pilot's logbook during the Instrument Rating process?
✔✔The logbook tracks flight hours, training sessions, and completed requirements, serving as
proof of compliance with regulations for obtaining the Instrument Rating.
Why is it essential for a pilot to understand the use of ATC during IFR flights?
2
,✔✔Understanding ATC communication is vital for safety and efficiency in air traffic
management, ensuring that pilots can follow instructions and report position accurately.
How does a pilot handle lost communication during an IFR flight?
✔✔In case of lost communication, a pilot should follow the established lost communications
procedures, including squawking 7600 and continuing to the last clearance or approach
procedure.
What is the importance of the “cleared for the approach” phrase from ATC?
✔✔Being "cleared for the approach" means the pilot can proceed with the final approach
procedure, confirming that ATC has verified the aircraft’s position and intentions.
What does a pilot do when encountering unexpected turbulence during an instrument approach?
✔✔The pilot should maintain control of the aircraft, follow recommended airspeed settings, and
remain focused on the instruments while adhering to the approach path.
How do pilots ensure proper altitude during a visual approach?
✔✔Pilots ensure proper altitude by referencing their altimeter, visual cues from the runway
environment, and maintaining awareness of their descent rate and approach speed.
3
, What is the significance of “minimums” in an approach procedure?
✔✔“Minimums” refer to the lowest permissible altitude for an approach, crucial for ensuring
safety and preventing controlled flight into terrain.
What is the purpose of a “VFR on top” clearance?
✔✔A "VFR on top" clearance allows a pilot to fly under visual flight rules (VFR) at or above a
specific altitude while operating in instrument flight rules (IFR) airspace.
How can a pilot use a NOTAM?
✔✔A pilot can use a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to obtain crucial information about airspace
restrictions, runway closures, and other relevant changes that may affect flight safety.
What is the difference between a TFR and a NOTAM?
✔✔A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is a specific type of NOTAM that restricts aircraft
operations in designated areas for security or safety reasons, while NOTAMs provide a broader
range of information.
4
Answers | Latest Update | 2024/2025 |
100% Pass
How does a pilot determine their position when flying solely on instruments?
✔✔Pilots determine their position using navigation aids like VORs, GPS, and by referencing
their flight instruments, often cross-referencing multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
Explain the significance of the "21-day rule" for instrument flight training.
✔✔The "21-day rule" states that if a pilot does not log instrument flight time within 21 days,
they must complete a proficiency check to regain currency.
What are the requirements for obtaining an Instrument Rating?
✔✔Requirements typically include a minimum number of flight hours, completion of ground
school, passing a written exam, and demonstrating instrument flight proficiency in an aircraft.
What are the common types of instrument approaches a pilot might use?
✔✔Common types include ILS (Instrument Landing System), LOC (Localizer), VOR (VHF
Omnidirectional Range), and RNAV (Area Navigation) approaches.
1
,Describe the function of the altimeter in IFR operations.
✔✔The altimeter measures the aircraft's altitude above sea level, using barometric pressure,
which is crucial for maintaining safe vertical separation from terrain and other aircraft.
What is a “standard rate turn,” and why is it important in instrument flying?
✔✔A standard rate turn is a turn of 3 degrees per second, allowing pilots to maintain a
predictable and safe flight path during IFR operations.
How does weather affect instrument approaches, and what should a pilot do?
✔✔Weather can impact visibility and cloud cover, requiring pilots to assess conditions, possibly
divert to alternate airports, and use proper approach procedures as outlined in their training.
What is the role of a pilot's logbook during the Instrument Rating process?
✔✔The logbook tracks flight hours, training sessions, and completed requirements, serving as
proof of compliance with regulations for obtaining the Instrument Rating.
Why is it essential for a pilot to understand the use of ATC during IFR flights?
2
,✔✔Understanding ATC communication is vital for safety and efficiency in air traffic
management, ensuring that pilots can follow instructions and report position accurately.
How does a pilot handle lost communication during an IFR flight?
✔✔In case of lost communication, a pilot should follow the established lost communications
procedures, including squawking 7600 and continuing to the last clearance or approach
procedure.
What is the importance of the “cleared for the approach” phrase from ATC?
✔✔Being "cleared for the approach" means the pilot can proceed with the final approach
procedure, confirming that ATC has verified the aircraft’s position and intentions.
What does a pilot do when encountering unexpected turbulence during an instrument approach?
✔✔The pilot should maintain control of the aircraft, follow recommended airspeed settings, and
remain focused on the instruments while adhering to the approach path.
How do pilots ensure proper altitude during a visual approach?
✔✔Pilots ensure proper altitude by referencing their altimeter, visual cues from the runway
environment, and maintaining awareness of their descent rate and approach speed.
3
, What is the significance of “minimums” in an approach procedure?
✔✔“Minimums” refer to the lowest permissible altitude for an approach, crucial for ensuring
safety and preventing controlled flight into terrain.
What is the purpose of a “VFR on top” clearance?
✔✔A "VFR on top" clearance allows a pilot to fly under visual flight rules (VFR) at or above a
specific altitude while operating in instrument flight rules (IFR) airspace.
How can a pilot use a NOTAM?
✔✔A pilot can use a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to obtain crucial information about airspace
restrictions, runway closures, and other relevant changes that may affect flight safety.
What is the difference between a TFR and a NOTAM?
✔✔A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is a specific type of NOTAM that restricts aircraft
operations in designated areas for security or safety reasons, while NOTAMs provide a broader
range of information.
4
