Regulations
All 30 questions in this topic, free — with answers, explanations, and the official source for each.
- Question 1
What pilot certificate must an applicant for an instrument rating hold, or be concurrently applying for, in order to be eligible?
- A.At least a sport pilot certificate
- B.At least a recreational pilot certificate
- C.At least a current private pilot certificate (or concurrently apply for one) with an appropriate category rating
- D.Any pilot certificate is acceptable, including a student pilot certificate
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. At least a current private pilot certificate (or concurrently apply for one) with an appropriate category rating§61.65(a)(1) requires the applicant to hold at least a current private pilot certificate — or be concurrently applying for one — with an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift rating appropriate to the instrument rating sought.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — §61.65(a)(1)
- Question 2
For the instrument-airplane rating, what is the minimum required cross-country flight time as pilot in command?
- A.20 hours, of which 10 must be in an airplane
- B.40 hours, of which 10 must be in an airplane
- C.50 hours, of which 10 must be in an airplane
- D.100 hours total time including 50 cross-country
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. 50 hours, of which 10 must be in an airplane§61.65(d)(1) requires 50 hours of cross-country time as pilot in command for the instrument-airplane rating, of which 10 hours must have been in an airplane.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — §61.65(d)(1)
- Question 3
How many hours of actual or simulated instrument time are required for the instrument-airplane rating, and how much of that must be received from an authorized instrument-airplane instructor?
- A.30 hours total, 10 with an instructor
- B.40 hours total, 15 with an authorized instrument-airplane instructor
- C.40 hours total, 20 with any flight instructor
- D.50 hours total, 25 with an authorized instructor
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. 40 hours total, 15 with an authorized instrument-airplane instructor§61.65(d)(2) requires 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the listed areas of operation, of which 15 hours must have been received from an authorized instructor who holds an instrument-airplane rating.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — §61.65(d)(2)
- Question 4
The IR training cross-country (§61.65(d)(2)(ii)) must include a flight of at least how many nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an ATC facility?
- A.100 NM
- B.150 NM
- C.200 NM
- D.250 NM
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D. 250 NM§61.65(d)(2)(ii)(A) requires the IFR cross-country training flight to be at least 250 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an air traffic control facility, with an instrument approach at each airport and three different kinds of approaches.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — §61.65(d)(2)(ii)(A)
- Question 5
Of the instrument flight training for the IR-airplane rating, the FAA requires at least 3 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor in an airplane within what time before the practical test?
- A.30 days
- B.60 days
- C.2 calendar months
- D.3 calendar months
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. 2 calendar months§61.65(d)(2)(i) requires the 3 hours of instrument flight training in an airplane appropriate to the rating to occur within 2 calendar months before the date of the practical test.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — §61.65(d)(2)(i)
- Question 6
What is the maximum instrument time that may be credited from an advanced aviation training device (AATD) toward the §61.65 requirements?
- A.10 hours
- B.20 hours
- C.30 hours
- D.40 hours
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. 20 hours§61.65(i) permits a maximum of 10 hours in a basic ATD and a maximum of 20 hours in an advanced ATD to be credited toward the instrument time requirements, subject to FAA approval and authorized-instructor oversight.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — §61.65(i)
- Question 7
Within the preceding 6 calendar months, to act as PIC under IFR a pilot must have performed and logged which of the following?
- A.Three instrument approaches, one hold, and one course intercept
- B.Six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through navigation electronic systems
- C.Three takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport
- D.Six hours of instrument flight time and one cross-country
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. Six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through navigation electronic systems§61.57(c)(1) requires, within the 6 calendar months preceding the month of the flight: six instrument approaches; holding procedures and tasks; and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — §61.57(c)(1)
- Question 8
A pilot who has not met the instrument experience requirements of §61.57(c) for more than how long can only regain instrument currency by completing an instrument proficiency check?
- A.6 calendar months
- B.12 calendar months
- C.More than 6 calendar months beyond the §61.57(c) currency window
- D.24 months
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. More than 6 calendar months beyond the §61.57(c) currency window§61.57(d) provides that a pilot who has failed to meet the §61.57(c) instrument experience requirements for more than six calendar months may reestablish instrument currency only by completing an instrument proficiency check (IPC).
Source: 14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — §61.57(d)
- Question 9
Per §91.167, fuel required for an IFR flight (with an alternate required) must be enough to complete the flight to the first airport, then fly to the alternate, and then fly for how long at normal cruising speed (airplane)?
- A.30 minutes
- B.45 minutes
- C.60 minutes
- D.90 minutes
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. 45 minutes§91.167(a)(3) requires an additional 45 minutes of fuel at normal cruising speed for airplanes after reaching the alternate airport (helicopters require 30 minutes).
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.167(a)(3)
- Question 10
Under §91.167(b), an IFR flight does NOT require fuel to an alternate when the destination has a published instrument approach AND the weather forecast for the period from 1 hour before to 1 hour after the ETA indicates at least what (airplane)?
- A.Ceiling 1,000 ft, visibility 1 SM
- B.Ceiling 1,500 ft, visibility 2 SM
- C.Ceiling 2,000 ft above airport elevation, visibility 3 SM
- D.Ceiling 3,000 ft, visibility 5 SM
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. Ceiling 2,000 ft above airport elevation, visibility 3 SM§91.167(b)(2)(i) waives the alternate fuel requirement (for aircraft other than helicopters) when forecasts show, for 1 hour before to 1 hour after ETA, the ceiling will be at least 2,000 feet above airport elevation and visibility at least 3 statute miles. Pilots remember this as the 1-2-3 rule.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.167(b)(2)(i)
- Question 11
When an alternate airport is included in an IFR flight plan and a precision approach is published for that alternate, what are the standard alternate-airport weather minima (unless the chart specifies otherwise)?
- A.Ceiling 400 ft, visibility 1 SM
- B.Ceiling 600 ft, visibility 2 SM
- C.Ceiling 800 ft, visibility 2 SM
- D.Ceiling 1,000 ft, visibility 3 SM
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. Ceiling 600 ft, visibility 2 SM§91.169(c)(1)(i)(A) sets standard alternate minima for a precision approach (when none are otherwise published) at ceiling 600 feet and visibility 2 statute miles.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.169(c)(1)(i)(A)
- Question 12
If the only published approach at an alternate is a nonprecision approach, what are the standard alternate weather minima (when the chart does not specify alternate minima)?
- A.Ceiling 600 ft, visibility 2 SM
- B.Ceiling 800 ft, visibility 2 SM
- C.Ceiling 1,000 ft, visibility 1 SM
- D.Ceiling 1,000 ft, visibility 3 SM
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. Ceiling 800 ft, visibility 2 SM§91.169(c)(1)(i)(B) sets the standard alternate minima for a nonprecision approach at ceiling 800 feet and visibility 2 statute miles.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.169(c)(1)(i)(B)
- Question 13
What must a pilot do to comply with §91.171 before using the VOR system for IFR navigation if relying on the operational check provisions?
- A.Test the VOR within the preceding 24 hours
- B.Have the VOR operationally checked within the preceding 30 days and found within tolerance
- C.Test the VOR within the preceding 60 days
- D.Have an avionics shop sign off the VOR every 12 months
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. Have the VOR operationally checked within the preceding 30 days and found within tolerance§91.171(a)(2) requires the VOR to have been operationally checked within the preceding 30 days and found within tolerance (or maintained under an approved procedure per (a)(1)).
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.171(a)(2)
- Question 14
What is the maximum permissible VOR bearing error when using an airborne VOR checkpoint designated by the FAA?
- A.±2°
- B.±4°
- C.±6°
- D.±10°
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. ±6°§91.171(b)(3) allows a maximum bearing error of ±6° when using an airborne checkpoint. Surface checkpoints and FAA test signals are tighter at ±4°.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.171(b)(3)
- Question 15
When using a dual-VOR check (per §91.171(c)), what is the maximum permissible variation between the indications of the two VOR receivers tuned to the same station?
- A.±2°
- B.±4°
- C.±6°
- D.±10°
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. ±4°§91.171(c) permits checking one VOR against another (dual-VOR check) with a maximum permissible variation between the two indicated bearings of 4°.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.171(c)
- Question 16
Per §91.173, what is required before any person may operate in controlled airspace under IFR?
- A.An IFR flight plan only
- B.An ATC clearance only
- C.Both a filed IFR flight plan and an appropriate ATC clearance
- D.Either a flight plan or a clearance — only one is required
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. Both a filed IFR flight plan and an appropriate ATC clearance§91.173 requires both: a filed IFR flight plan AND an appropriate ATC clearance before operating in controlled airspace under IFR.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.173
- Question 17
Per §91.175(c), in addition to flight visibility at or above minimums and being in a position for a normal-rate descent to the runway, what else must occur for a pilot to descend below the authorized DA/DH or MDA on an instrument approach?
- A.ATC must specifically authorize descent below the minima
- B.At least one of the listed visual references for the intended runway must be distinctly visible and identifiable
- C.The aircraft must be inside the final approach fix
- D.The runway must be in sight before crossing the FAF
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. At least one of the listed visual references for the intended runway must be distinctly visible and identifiable§91.175(c) permits descent below DA/DH or MDA only when (1) the aircraft is continuously in a position to land at a normal rate, (2) flight visibility is at or above the prescribed minimum, AND (3) at least one of the §91.175(c)(3) visual references — approach lights, threshold, runway markings, etc. — is distinctly visible.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.175(c)
- Question 18
Per §91.175(c)(3)(i), when the approach light system is the only visual reference seen, the pilot may not descend below what altitude using the lights as the reference unless the red terminating bars or red side row bars are also distinctly visible?
- A.100 feet above touchdown zone elevation
- B.200 feet above touchdown zone elevation
- C.300 feet above touchdown zone elevation
- D.Minimum descent altitude
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. 100 feet above touchdown zone elevation§91.175(c)(3)(i) limits descent below 100 feet above touchdown zone elevation using approach lights alone — to continue lower the pilot must also see the red terminating bars or red side row bars (or another listed reference).
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.175(c)(3)(i)
- Question 19
Per §91.175(e), a missed approach must be executed immediately when any of the conditions in §91.175(c) are no longer met after passing what point?
- A.The final approach fix
- B.The visual descent point
- C.The missed approach point (or DA/DH where applicable)
- D.The middle marker
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. The missed approach point (or DA/DH where applicable)§91.175(e) requires an immediate missed approach upon arrival at the missed approach point (or DA/DH where applicable, and any time thereafter until touchdown) if the §91.175(c) requirements are not met.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.175(e)
- Question 20
In non-mountainous areas where no minimum IFR altitude is prescribed in 14 CFR parts 95/97, what is the minimum IFR altitude per §91.177?
- A.500 ft above the highest obstacle within 1 NM of course
- B.1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 4 NM of course
- C.1,500 ft above the highest obstacle within 5 NM of course
- D.2,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 4 NM of course
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. 1,000 ft above the highest obstacle within 4 NM of course§91.177(a)(2)(ii) requires, in non-mountainous areas, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 nautical miles from the course to be flown. (Mountainous areas use 2,000 feet.)
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.177(a)(2)(ii)
- Question 21
Per §91.177(a)(1), within how many nautical miles of a VOR (used for navigation) may a pilot operate at MOCA rather than MEA?
- A.10 NM
- B.15 NM
- C.22 NM
- D.30 NM
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. 22 NM§91.177(a)(1) allows operation down to (but not below) the MOCA in lieu of the MEA only when within 22 nautical miles of the VOR being used for navigation, provided applicable signals are available.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.177(a)(1)
- Question 22
Operating IFR in uncontrolled airspace below 18,000 ft MSL on a magnetic course of 270°, which of the following is an appropriate cruising altitude per §91.179(b)?
- A.Any odd thousand foot MSL altitude (e.g., 7,000)
- B.Any even thousand foot MSL altitude (e.g., 6,000)
- C.Any odd thousand-plus-500 ft altitude (e.g., 7,500)
- D.Any even thousand-plus-500 ft altitude (e.g., 6,500)
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. Any even thousand foot MSL altitude (e.g., 6,000)Per §91.179(b)(1), IFR in uncontrolled airspace below 18,000 ft MSL on a magnetic course of 180°–359° (westbound) requires any even thousand foot MSL altitude (e.g., 2,000, 4,000, 6,000). The +500-ft offsets apply to VFR, not IFR.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.179(b)(1)
- Question 23
Which of the following is NOT among the IFR-specific instrument and equipment requirements added by §91.205(d) beyond the VFR-day list?
- A.Two-way radio communication and navigation equipment suitable for the route
- B.Gyroscopic rate-of-turn indicator (with stated alternatives)
- C.Sensitive altimeter adjustable for barometric pressure
- D.An emergency locator transmitter
Show answer & explanation
Answer: D. An emergency locator transmitterThe ELT is a §91.205(b)(15)/§91.207 requirement that applies regardless of IFR. The IFR-specific additions in §91.205(d) include two-way radio, gyroscopic rate-of-turn indicator (with alternatives), slip-skid indicator, sensitive altimeter, clock with sweep-second pointer or digital seconds, generator/alternator, gyroscopic pitch-and-bank, and gyroscopic direction indicator.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.205(d)
- Question 24
Per §91.205(d)(6), the clock required for IFR flight must display hours, minutes, and seconds — with what type of seconds presentation?
- A.Sweep-second pointer OR digital seconds
- B.Sweep-second pointer only
- C.Digital seconds only
- D.Any timepiece is acceptable
Show answer & explanation
Answer: A. Sweep-second pointer OR digital seconds§91.205(d)(6) requires a clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds with either a sweep-second pointer OR digital presentation.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.205(d)(6)
- Question 25
Per §91.211(a)(1), at cabin pressure altitudes above 12,500 ft MSL up to and including 14,000 ft MSL, the required minimum flight crew must use supplemental oxygen for that portion of the flight at those altitudes exceeding what duration?
- A.15 minutes
- B.30 minutes
- C.60 minutes
- D.Continuous use is required at any duration
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. 30 minutes§91.211(a)(1) requires the minimum flight crew to use supplemental oxygen for the portion of the flight at cabin pressure altitudes above 12,500 ft MSL up to and including 14,000 ft MSL that is of more than 30 minutes duration.
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.211(a)(1)
- Question 26
Above what cabin pressure altitude must each occupant of an unpressurized civil aircraft be provided with supplemental oxygen?
- A.12,500 ft MSL
- B.14,000 ft MSL
- C.15,000 ft MSL
- D.18,000 ft MSL
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. 15,000 ft MSL§91.211(a)(3) requires that at cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000 ft MSL, each occupant of the aircraft be provided with supplemental oxygen (the regulation requires the occupant be provided with — not necessarily that they use it).
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.211(a)(3)
- Question 27
Operating IFR in uncontrolled airspace below 18,000 ft MSL on a magnetic course of 090°, which cruising altitude complies with §91.179?
- A.4,000 ft MSL
- B.4,500 ft MSL
- C.5,000 ft MSL
- D.5,500 ft MSL
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. 5,000 ft MSL§91.179(b)(1)(i) requires, for IFR in uncontrolled airspace below 18,000 ft on a magnetic course 0°–179° (eastbound), any odd thousand foot MSL altitude — 5,000 ft is the only odd-thousand option (the +500 offsets apply only to VFR).
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.179(b)(1)(i)
- Question 28
Which of the following is required to be reported as soon as possible by the pilot in command of an IFR flight in controlled airspace, per §91.183?
- A.Any deviation from assigned heading greater than 10°
- B.Any unforecast weather conditions encountered
- C.All routine position reports, even under radar control
- D.Estimated time to next NAVAID
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. Any unforecast weather conditions encountered§91.183(b) requires the PIC to report any unforecast weather conditions encountered. Routine position reports are required only at compulsory points or specifically requested points while under radar control (§91.183(a)).
Source: 14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules — §91.183(b)
- Question 29
Which of the following is NOT one of the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in §61.65(b) for instrument rating training?
- A.Air traffic control system and procedures for instrument flight operations
- B.Recognition of critical weather situations and windshear avoidance
- C.Multiengine aerodynamics and VMC demonstrations
- D.Crew resource management, including crew communication and coordination
Show answer & explanation
Answer: C. Multiengine aerodynamics and VMC demonstrationsMultiengine aerodynamics is not in the §61.65(b) instrument-rating knowledge area list. §61.65(b) covers FARs applicable to IFR, AIM IFR info, ATC system/procedures, IFR navigation, IFR charts, weather reports/forecasts, safe/efficient IFR operation, critical weather/windshear, ADM/judgment, and CRM.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — §61.65(b)
- Question 30
An instrument flight training device (FTD), aviation training device (ATD), and full flight simulator hours, in any combination, may credit up to how many total hours toward the §61.65 instrument time requirement (when not completed under part 142)?
- A.10 hours
- B.20 hours
- C.30 hours
- D.40 hours
Show answer & explanation
Answer: B. 20 hours§61.65(j) caps the total combined credit from full flight simulator, FTD, ATD, or any combination at 20 total hours toward the instrument time requirement, except when the §61.65(h)(1) part-142 30-hour FFS/FTD provision applies.
Source: 14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors — §61.65(j)
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