Updated November 2023

Preparing for the FAA instrument rating oral exam requires a systematic and thorough approach to ensure success. Here are some key steps to help you prepare effectively:

Study the FAA Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards (PTS): Familiarize yourself with the PTS, which outlines the specific areas of knowledge that will be tested during the oral exam. Review each task and associated knowledge areas to understand the depth of understanding required.

Review FAA publications: Study relevant FAA publications such as the Instrument Flying Handbook, Instrument Procedures Handbook, and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). These resources provide valuable information on instrument flight procedures, regulations, and airspace requirements.

Create a study plan: Develop a study plan that covers all the required topics and allows for regular review sessions. Break down the material into manageable sections and allocate specific study times for each area.

Use study aids: Utilize study aids such as flashcards, online question banks, and practice exams to reinforce your understanding of the material. These resources can help you identify areas that require additional focus.

Seek guidance from a certified flight instructor (CFI): Engage with a knowledgeable CFI who can provide guidance and clarify any questions you may have. They can also simulate an oral exam by asking you questions and providing feedback on your answers.

Practice explaining concepts aloud: The oral exam assesses your ability to explain instrument flying concepts clearly and accurately. Practice answering potential questions aloud, ensuring that you can articulate your knowledge effectively.

Conduct mock oral exams: Arrange for mock oral exams with your CFI or fellow instrument-rated pilots. This will simulate the actual exam environment and allow you to practice your responses under similar conditions.

Review your weak areas: Continuously evaluate your progress and identify areas where you need improvement. Focus on these weak areas and allocate additional study time to strengthen your understanding.

Stay up-to-date with regulations: Keep abreast of any changes in regulations or procedures related to instrument flying. Review updates to the AIM and other relevant publications to ensure your knowledge is current.

Stay calm and confident: On the day of the oral exam, stay calm and confident. Remember that you have prepared extensively and have the knowledge required to succeed. Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions, take your time to formulate your answers, and respond thoughtfully.

100 Oral Exam Questions to Expect on your Instrument Checkride (Updated for 2024)

• What are the basic requirements for an aircraft to operate under IFR?
• Explain the difference between VFR and IFR.
• Define the term “IFR Clearance.”
• What is an IFR flight plan, and when is it required?
• Describe the different types of IFR clearances.
• Explain the purpose of an alternate airport in an IFR flight plan.
• When is an alternate airport required for an IFR flight?
• What are the three types of IFR approaches?
• Define the terms MDA and DA in the context of IFR approaches.
• Explain the significance of the missed approach point (MAP) on an IFR approach.
• When are Special VFR clearances allowed in controlled airspace?
• Describe the procedure for obtaining an IFR clearance on the ground.
• What is a Standard Instrument Departure (SID), and when are they used?
• Explain the concept of Minimum En Route Altitude (MEA).
• Describe the purpose of the Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA).
• What is the difference between ODP and SID?
• Define the terms “MEA,” “MOCA,” and “MRA.”
• Explain the function of an Initial Approach Fix (IAF).
• Describe the purpose of holding procedures in IFR operations.
• What is the difference between radar vectors and an instrument approach?
• Explain the purpose of a STAR (Standard Terminal Arrival Route).
• Define the term “VOR Checkpoint” and explain its significance.
• What is a DME arc, and how is it flown?
• Explain the purpose of a DME fix.
• Describe the components of a typical IFR clearance.
• What is the difference between a “precision” and “non-precision” approach?
• Explain the concept of Decision Altitude (DA) in precision approaches.
• Describe the purpose of the Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA).
• What are the requirements for filing an IFR flight plan?
• Explain the significance of the “freeze” and “thaw” points on an approach chart.
• Describe the procedures for a circling approach.
• What is the purpose of the FSS (Flight Service Station) in IFR operations?
• Explain the significance of the “Missed Approach Holding Point.”
• Describe the difference between a “straight-in” and a “circling” approach.
• What are the key components of an IFR en route chart?
• Explain the concept of “routinely reported” weather in relation to alternates.
• Describe the purpose of a Compass Locator on an ILS approach chart.
• What is a VOR approach, and when is it commonly used?
• Explain the concept of a “compulsory reporting point” during an IFR flight.
• Describe the procedure for conducting an IFR departure from an uncontrolled airport.
• What is the purpose of a “published missed approach procedure”?
• Explain the concept of “radar contact lost” during radar vectors.
• Describe the requirements for filing a composite flight plan.
• What is the purpose of the Low Altitude En Route Chart?
• Explain the significance of a “hold for release” IFR clearance.
• Describe the purpose of an IFR “release time.”
• What are the limitations of ATC radar in providing separation?
• Explain the concept of “obstacle departure procedures” (ODP).
• Describe the purpose of a Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR).
• What is the purpose of the Minimum Safe Altitude Warning (MSAW) system?
• Explain the concept of a “feeder route” on an IFR approach chart.
• What is the purpose of the Decision Height (DH) in non-precision approaches?
• Describe the procedure for conducting an IFR departure from a controlled airport.
• Explain the concept of a “compulsory reporting point” during an IFR flight.
• What is the significance of the “FAF” (Final Approach Fix) on an ILS approach?
• Describe the procedure for conducting a precision radar approach.
• Explain the purpose of a “visual descent point” (VDP) on a non-precision approach.
• What is the significance of the “FAP” (Final Approach Point) on a non-precision approach?
• Describe the limitations of a VOR signal.
• What is the purpose of a “tower en route” service?
• Explain the concept of “feeder routes” in IFR operations.
• Describe the function of a “precision runway monitor” during an ILS approach.
• What is the purpose of the “step-down fix” on a non-precision approach?
• Explain the procedure for conducting an IFR departure from an airport without a control tower.
• Describe the purpose of the “malfunction” codes on an IFR approach chart.
• What are the different types of RNAV systems used in IFR navigation?
• Explain the concept of “RADAR minimums” in precision approaches.
• Describe the procedure for a contact approach under IFR.
• What is the purpose of the “step-down fix” on a precision approach?
• Explain the concept of “positive course guidance” in RNAV approaches.
• Describe the procedure for a missed approach.
• What is the significance of the “timing” line on a non-precision approach?
• Explain the concept of “course reversal” in lieu of a procedure turn.
• Describe the purpose of a “hold-in-lieu-of-procedure-turn” on an IFR approach chart.
• What are the different types of IFR altitude assignments?
• Explain the purpose of the “final approach course” on a precision approach chart.
• Describe the significance of the “final approach fix” (FAF) on a non-precision approach.
• What is the difference between “Minimum Vectoring Altitude” and “Minimum IFR Altitude”?
• Explain the concept of “maximum holding airspeed.”
• Describe the procedure for conducting an IFR departure from an airport with an ATIS.
• What is the purpose of “alternate minimums” in an IFR flight plan?
• Explain the significance of the “crossing altitude” on an IFR en route chart.
• Describe the procedure for conducting a precision radar approach.
• What are the requirements for a VFR-on-top clearance?
• Explain the purpose of a “radar handoff” during an IFR flight.
• Describe the significance of the “minimum crossing altitude” on an IFR en route chart.
• What is the purpose of a “cross-radial fix” on an IFR approach chart?
• Explain the concept of a “fix-to-fix” navigation procedure.
• Describe the limitations of using GPS as a primary means of navigation in IFR operations.
• What is the significance of the “final approach fix” (FAF) on a precision approach chart?
• Explain the concept of “Course Reversal” in lieu of a procedure turn.
• Describe the procedure for conducting a missed approach from a precision approach.
• What is the purpose of the “procedure turn” on an IFR approach chart?
• Explain the concept of a “terminal arrival area” (TAA) in RNAV approaches.
• Describe the limitations of using an FMS (Flight Management System) in IFR operations.
• What is the purpose of the “initial approach fix” (IAF) on an IFR approach chart?
• Explain the concept of a “compulsory reporting point” during an IFR flight.
• Describe the procedure for conducting an IFR arrival at an airport without a control tower.
• What are the requirements for filing a composite IFR flight plan?
• Explain the significance of the “feeder route” on an IFR approach chart.

Most Common Instrument Rating Oral Exam Questions

Below is a quick and dirty list of questions and concepts most likely to be raised on your oral exam. 

• Draw an ILS approach and its components and explain how it operates
• Draw a pitot static system and explain how it operates
• Draw a vacuum system and explain how it operates
• Draw your airplane’s electrical schematics and explain how it operated
• Describe human illusions in instrument flight –– Coriolis illusion, the leans, somatogravic illusion, elevator illusion, inversion illusion.
• Describe compass errors
• Describe pitot/static errors
• Describe an airport’s alternate minimums and takeoff minimums
• Describe weather charts – area charts, prognostic charts, convective outlook charts, winds aloft forecasts.
• Describe the types of VOR checks. For how long is a VOR check valid?
• Describe the methods of entering a hold
• Describe protocols for lost communications
• What are the types of AIRMETS? Describe Airmets Sierra, Tango and Zulu
• What are the three types of notams?
• Describe the types of in-flight weather advisories that are available?
• What are the types of fog?
• What are the four basic cloud groups?
• What are the stages of a thunderstorm?
• Describe the requirements for maintaining currency?
• Describe the types of precision vs. nonprecision approaches
• Describe each segment of an instrument approach
• What is a standard rate turn vs. a half-standard rate turn?
• What equipment is required for IFR flight?
• What inspections are required for our aircraft?
• What are the required ATC readbacks?
• What are the mandatory ATC reports?
• What are IFR fuel requirements?
• Describe reverse sensing.
• What airspeed restrictions exist in a holding pattern?
• What preflight checks are required for an IFR flight?
• Describe the types of icing?
• What anti-ice equipment do we have onboard our aircraft?
• When is an instrument rating required?
• Define: indicated airspeed, calibrated airspeed, true airspeed.
• Describe how our gyroscopic instruments work
• How many degrees of variation for a single dot represent on a receiver for an ILS approach? For a GPS approach? VOR?
• Describe VOR service volumes
• How can you tell when a VOR is undergoing maintenance? How do we know it’s operational?
• Describe the cone of confusion
• When is DME required?
• What are the differences between VOR, VORTAC and TACAN?
• How does GPS work?
• What is WAAS?
• What is the useable range of a glideslope?
• Describe Obstacle Departure Procedures vs. Standard Instrument Departures
• What information should be included in a position report?
• Describe a contact approach vs. visual approach
• Describe the difference between a Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) and Decision Altitured (DA)