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Friday 4th July 2008
Brainteasers
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Brainteasers Interactive Quiz #64:
So You Want to Get an Instrument Rating

Whenever there's a low overcast or reduced visibility at the local airport and CAVU a few miles away, the non-instrument-rated pilots often sit around the pilots' lounge and talk about this and that while waiting for the weather to improve. But in the back of each pilot's mind there's a thought that begins with, "If I had an instrument rating . . . " What is it that keeps pilots from getting instrument rated? Is it the lack of time, money, confidence, knowledge about the privileges and responsibilities of the instrument rating or the training required? This quiz encompasses those privileges, responsibilities and training requirements for obtaining and utilizing an instrument rating in the United States. All questions assume that the pilot has an airplane single engine land rating on a private or commercial pilot certificate issued by the FAA.

by Irv Siegel

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the questions as best you can, then click on the "Score my quiz answers" button to see your score and read the explanations. If you don't like your score the first time around, you can change some of your answers and resubmit. To get the most out of this quiz, we suggest you keep trying until you get a perfect score.

NOTE: In the event that more than one answer is correct, credit will only be given for the most complete answer.

1. The pilot experience required to qualify to take the instrument rating practical test includes
a. 125 hours of total flight time.
b. 40 hours of instrument flight training from an authorized instructor.
c. Instrument training on cross-country flight procedures including a cross-country flight of at least 250 nautical miles.
d. At least 60 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command.
2. Is an instrument rating required for a flight on an IFR flight plan conducted solely in VFR weather conditions?
a. No.
b. If any part of the flight will be in Class A airspace, then yes. Otherwise, no.
c. If the weather forecast is for VFR conditions to continue for at least two hours after the flight's ETA, then no. Otherwise, yes.
d. Yes.
3. Under what conditions may an instrument student (not yet instrument rated) act as pilot in command of a flight conducted under IFR?
a. On a solo filght, provided that the pilot's logbook has been properly endorsed by an authorized instructor.
b. On a flight with another pilot who is instrument rated and current.
c. On a dual flight with an authorized instructor.
d. Never.
4. The major reason for obtaining an instrument rating is to enable a pilot to safely and legally fly in weather conditions less than VFR weather minimums. An instrument rated pilot can legally
a. fly anywhere, anytime, regardless of the weather.
b. takeoff and land when the ground visibility is zero.
c. make a flight under IFR without obtaining weather reports and forecasts.
d. obtain a special VFR clearance between sunset and sunrise.
5. You are flying under VFR and approaching a non-controlled airport for the purpose of landing. An airplane operating under IFR announces on the CTAF that s/he is also approaching the airport for the purpose of landing. Which airplane has the right of way?
a. The airplane operating under IFR.
b. The airplane operating under VFR.
c. The airplane that is closer to the airport.
d. The airplane at the lower altitude.
6. No person may operate a civil aircraft under IFR using the VOR system of radio navigation unless the VOR equipment of that aircraft is maintained, checked, and inspected under an approved procedure; or has been operationally checked within the preceding ____ days, and was found to be within the limits of the permissible indicated bearing error.
a. 20
b. 30
c. 45
d. 60
7. Under what conditions are an IFR flight plan and an ATC clearance required?
a. Any flight under IFR.
b. Any flight under IFR in controlled airspace.
c. Any flight above 700' AGL in controlled airspace.
d. Any flight above 1200' AGL in controlled airspace.
8. If not on a published route, and not over a designated mountainous area, what is the minimum IFR enroute altitude?
a. an altitude of 500 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 nautical miles from the course to be flown.
b. an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 nautical miles from the course to be flown.
c. an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 6 nautical miles from the course to be flown.
d. an altitude of 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 nautical miles from the course to be flown.
e. an altitude of 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 6 nautical miles from the course to be flown.
9. Which of the following is not a required instrument or piece of equipment for a flight under IFR?
a. A clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds with a sweep-second pointer or digital presentation.
b. Slip-skid indicator.
c. Two-way radio communications system and navigational equipment appropriate to the ground facilities to be used.
d. Vertical speed indicator.
10. For flight under IFR, altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections are required
a. within the preceding 12 calendar months for any flight.
b. within the preceding 12 calendar months for flight in controlled airspace.
c. within the preceding 24 calendar months for any flight.
d. within the preceding 24 calendar months for flight in controlled airspace.