The Instrument Rating Checkride

The instrument rating checkride is graded against the Instrument Rating ACS. It confirms you can safely plan and fly in the instrument system by reference to instruments alone.

The oral

Expect depth on IFR regulations (currency, alternates and the 1-2-3 rule, lost communications), weather for IFR (icing, embedded convection, sources and minimums), the IFR system (clearances, departures, en route, arrivals), approach charts and how to brief and fly them, and aircraft/avionics limitations.

The flight

The flight portion is normally flown under a view-limiting device ("the hood") or in actual conditions, with a safety pilot/examiner. Typical required elements include:

• an intercept and hold at an assigned fix
• a precision approach (ILS or an LPV to precision-like minimums)
• one or more non-precision approaches (LNAV, VOR, LOC)
• a circling approach and a missed approach
• partial-panel flying and unusual attitude recovery with instruments failed
• recovery from unusual attitudes and basic instrument manoeuvres

Each is flown to ACS tolerances (for example, maintaining altitude within ±100 feet and the appropriate course deviation limits).

Currency vs the rating

Passing the checkride grants the rating; keeping it usable is a separate, ongoing matter of instrument currency. Prerequisites for the test are in 14 CFR 61.65.

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*Reference and training only — not for navigation or as legal advice. Always consult the current 14 CFR, the AIM, your aircraft’s POH/AFM and a certificated flight instructor.*