IR Oral Exam

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

IR Oral Exam

The Instrument Rating (IR) Oral Exam evaluates your knowledge of IFR operations, regulations, procedures, and practical application of instrument flying concepts. To help you prepare, here’s a detailed guide covering key topics and tips.

Key Areas to Prepare

1. Regulations and Legal Requirements

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR):
- When is an instrument rating required?
- Requirements for filing and operating under IFR.
Currency and Proficiency:
- 6-month rule for approaches, holds, and tracking.
- Instrument proficiency check (IPC) requirements.
Fuel Requirements:
- IFR fuel minimums: To destination, alternate (if required), and 45 minutes at normal cruise.
Alternate Airport Requirements:
- "1-2-3 Rule": Weather at the destination must have at least 2,000-foot ceilings and 3 SM visibility for 1 hour before and after ETA to avoid requiring an alternate.
IFR Equipment Requirements:
- Minimum equipment under FAR 91.205 (GRABCARD for IFR).

2. Flight Planning and Procedures

IFR Flight Plan:
- How to file an IFR flight plan and when it's required.
- Route selection using SIDs, STARs, airways, and direct routes.
Departure Procedures:
- Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) and Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs).
Arrival Procedures:
- STARs and transitioning to approaches.
IFR Charts:
- Reading en-route charts, approach plates, and airport diagrams.

3. Weather Interpretation

Weather Reports and Forecasts:
- Understanding METARs, TAFs, SIGMETs, and AIRMETs.
Hazardous Weather:
- Recognition and avoidance of icing, thunderstorms, and turbulence.
Use of Weather Services:
- How to obtain and interpret weather briefings.

4. Instrument Approaches

Types of Approaches:
- Precision approaches: ILS, GLS.
- Non-precision approaches: VOR, NDB, RNAV (LNAV/VNAV, LNAV).
- Visual and circling approaches.
Approach Plates:
- Key sections: Minimums, missed approach procedures, and briefing strips.
Decision Altitude (DA)/Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA):
- When to descend, level off, or go missed.
Missed Approach Procedures:
- Steps to execute and how to reenter the IFR system.

5. Aircraft Systems

Pitot-Static System:
- Instruments affected by blockages (e.g., airspeed indicator, altimeter, VSI).
Gyroscopic Instruments:
- Attitude indicator, heading indicator, and turn coordinator.
Autopilot and Avionics:
- Understanding modes and limitations of your aircraft's autopilot and GPS/FMS.

6. Human Factors

Spatial Disorientation:
- Recognizing and managing illusions in IFR flight.
Stress and Fatigue:
- Effects on decision-making and performance.
Instrument Scanning:
- Effective techniques to avoid fixation and omission.

7. Emergencies and Abnormal Situations

Loss of Communication:
- Squawk 7600 and follow AVEF (Assigned, Vectored, Expected, Filed) and MEA (Minimum, Expected, Assigned) rules.
System Failures:
- Managing pitot-static or vacuum system malfunctions.
Icing Conditions:
- Recognizing icing effects and using anti-icing or de-icing systems.

8. Air Traffic Control (ATC)

Clearances:
- Components of an IFR clearance (CRAFT: Clearance limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency, Transponder).
Holding Patterns:
- Entry procedures (direct, parallel, teardrop) and timing corrections.
Radar Services:
- Understanding ATC vectors and traffic separation responsibilities.

Tips for the Oral Exam

Be Thorough with Your Pre-Flight Planning:
- Prepare an IFR flight plan for a hypothetical route, including alternates, fuel calculations, and weather briefing.
Understand Your Aircraft Systems:
- Know how your specific aircraft operates under IFR conditions, including autopilot modes and limitations.
Know Your Charts:
- Practice briefing approach plates and interpreting en-route charts.
Stay Calm and Confident:
- If you don’t know an answer, explain where you would find the information (e.g., FAR/AIM, POH).
Review Common Scenarios:
- Practice how you would handle emergencies like loss of comms, alternator failure, or entering unexpected weather.

Recommended Study Materials

Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15) – Comprehensive IFR knowledge.
Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16) – Focus on IFR procedures.
AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual) – Sections on IFR operations and ATC communications.
Practical Test Standards (PTS) or ACS – Know the specific standards for your checkride.

Let me know if you’d like sample questions or assistance with specific topics!

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