Instrument Rating – Airplane

Task A. Pilot Qualifications

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with requirements to act as pilot-in-command under instrument flight rules.

References: 14 CFR part 61; AC 68-1; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25

Task B. Weather Information

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with obtaining, understanding, and applying weather information for a flight under IFR.

References: 14 CFR part 91, AC 91-92; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-H-8083-28

Note: If K2 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant’s knowledge of at least three sub-elements. If K3 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant’s knowledge of at least three sub-elements.

Task C. Cross-Country Flight Planning

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with planning an IFR cross-country and filing an IFR flight plan.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; IFR Enroute Charts; NOTAMS; IFR Navigation Charts

Note: Preparation, presentation, and explanation of a computer-generated flight plan is an acceptable option.

Task A. Aircraft Systems Related to Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Operations

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with anti-icing or deicing systems, and other systems related to IFR flight.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91-74; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Task B. Aircraft Flight Instruments and Navigation Equipment

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with managing instruments appropriate for an IFR flight.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 90-100, AC 90-105, AC 90-107, AC 91-78, AC 91.21-1; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25

Task C. Instrument Flight Deck Check

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with conducting a preflight check on the aircraft’s instruments necessary for an IFR flight.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91.21-1; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Task A. Compliance with Air Traffic Control Clearances

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with ATC clearances and procedures while operating solely by reference to instruments.

References: 14 CFR parts 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25

Task B. Holding Procedures

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with holding procedures solely by reference to instruments.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25

Task A. Instrument Flight

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing basic flight maneuvers solely by reference to instruments.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25

Task B. Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with recovering from unusual flight attitudes solely by reference to instruments.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Task A. Intercepting and Tracking Navigational Systems and DME Arcs

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with intercepting and tracking navigation aids and arcs solely by reference to instruments.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Note: The evaluator should reference the manufacturer’s equipment supplement(s) as necessary for appropriate limitations, procedures, etc. See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Task B. Departure, En Route, and Arrival Operations

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with IFR departure, en route, and arrival operations solely by reference to instruments.

References: 14 CFR parts 91, 97; AC 90-100, AC 90-105, AC 91-74; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Task A. Non-precision Approach

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing non-precision approach procedures solely by reference to instruments.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 120-108; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; Terminal Procedures Publications

Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Task B. Precision Approach

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing precision approach procedures solely by reference to instruments.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 90-105, AC 90-107; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; Terminal Procedures Publications

Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Task C. Missed Approach

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing a missed approach procedure solely by reference to instruments.

References: 14 CFR parts 91, 97; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; Terminal Procedures Publications

Task D. Circling Approach

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing a circling approach procedure.

References: 14 CFR parts 91, 97; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; Terminal Procedures Publications

Task E. Landing from an Instrument Approach

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing procedures for a landing from an instrument approach.

References: 14 CFR parts 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Note: For non-amphibious seaplanes, this task applies only when the applicant has immediate access to an instrument approach to a waterway.

Task A. Loss of Communications

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with loss of communications while operating solely by reference to instruments.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25

Task B. One Engine Inoperative (Simulated) during Straight-and-Level Flight and Turns (AMEL, AMES)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flight solely by reference to instruments with one engine inoperative.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight.

Task C. Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with executing a published instrument approach solely by reference to instruments with one engine inoperative.

References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/ AFM; Terminal Procedures Publications

Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task. For non-amphibious seaplanes, this task applies only when the applicant has immediate access to an instrument approach to a waterway.

Task D. Approach with Loss of Primary Flight Instrument Indicators

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with performing an approach solely by reference to instruments with the loss of primary flight control instruments.

References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-16, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/ AFM; Terminal Procedures Publications

Task A. Checking Instruments and Equipment

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with checking flight instruments and equipment during postflight.

References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Note: In Area of Operation VII, Emergency Operations, Tasks B and C apply to multiengine tests only. The removal of the “Airplane Multiengine VFR Only” limitation, at the private pilot or commercial pilot certificate level, requires an applicant to satisfactorily perform the following Area of Operation and Tasks from the Instrument Rating ‒ Airplane ACS: Area of Operation VII, Emergency Operations , in a multiengine airplane that has a manufacturer’s published VMC speed. • Task B: One Engine Inoperative during Straight-and-Level Flight and Turns (AMEL, AMES) • Task C: Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES) Instrument Proficiency Check 14 CFR part 61, section 61.57(d) sets forth the requirements for an instrument proficiency check (IPC). Evaluators conducting an IPC must ensure the pilot meets the standards established in this ACS. As a minimum, the applicant must demonstrate the ability to perform the Tasks listed in the table below. The person giving the check should develop a scenario that incorporates as many required Tasks as practical to assess the pilot’s aeronautical decision making (ADM) and risk management skills. Required Area of Required Operation Task(s) I None II None III B IV B V A VI All VII B,C,D VIII All In Area of Operation VII, Emergency Operations, Tasks B and C apply to multiengine tests only. An Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) can be utilized for the majority of the IPC as specified in the Letter of Authorization issued for the device. However, the circling approach, the landing Task, and the multiengine airplane Tasks must be accomplished in an aircraft or FFS (Level B, C, or D). A Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) cannot be used for Appendix 1: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and Outcomes any part of the IPC. Refer to Advisory Circular (AC) 61-98 (as amended), Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check, as amended for information on conducting an IPC. The AC can be found at: www.faa.gov. Appendix 2: Safety of Flight Appendix 2: Safety of Flight General Safety of flight must be the prime consideration at all times. The evaluator, applicant, and crew must be continually alert for other traffic. If performing aspects of a given maneuver, such as emergency procedures, would jeopardize safety, the evaluator will ask the applicant to simulate that portion of the maneuver. The evaluator will assess the applicant’s use of visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures throughout the entire test. Stall and Spin Awareness During flight training and testing, the applicant and the instructor or evaluator must always recognize and avoid operations that could lead to an inadvertent stall or spin and inadvertent loss of control. Use of Checklists Throughout the practical test, the applicant is evaluated on the use of an appropriate checklist. Assessing proper checklist use depends upon the specific Task. In all cases, the evaluator should determine whether the applicant demonstrates CRM, appropriately divides attention, and uses proper visual scanning. In some situations, reading the actual checklist may be impractical or unsafe. In such cases, the evaluator should assess the applicant's performance of published or recommended immediate action "memory" items along with their review of the appropriate checklist once conditions permit. In a single-pilot airplane, the applicant should demonstrate the crew resource management (CRM) principles described as single-pilot resource management (SRM). Proper use depends on the specific Task being evaluated. If the use of the checklist while accomplishing elements of an Objective would be either unsafe or impractical in a single-pilot operation, the applicant should review the checklist after accomplishing the elements. Positive Exchange of Flight Controls A clear understanding of who has control of the aircraft must exist. Prior to flight, the pilots involved should conduct a briefing that includes reviewing the procedures for exchanging flight controls. The FAA recommends a positive three-step process for exchanging flight controls between pilots: • When one pilot seeks to have the other pilot take control of the aircraft, they will say, “You have the flight controls.” • The second pilot acknowledges immediately by saying, “I have the flight controls.” • The first pilot again says, “You have the flight controls,” and visually confirms the exchange. Pilots should follow this procedure during any exchange of flight controls, including any occurrence during the practical test. The FAA also recommends that both pilots use a visual check to verify that the exchange has occurred. Doubt as to who is flying the aircraft should not occur. Use of Distractions Numerous studies indicate that many accidents have occurred when the pilot has been distracted during critical phases of flight. The evaluator should incorporate realistic distractions during the flight portion of the practical test to evaluate the pilot’s situational awareness and ability to utilize proper control technique while dividing attention both inside and outside the flight deck. Aeronautical Decision-Making, Risk Management, Crew Resource Management, and Single-Pilot Resource