practical test standards (FAA)

Ten Required Logbook Entries for Instrument Rating
Date and Time must be entered for all endorsements
Required Aeronautical Knowledge FAR 61.65
Crew/cockpit resource management
FARs applicable to IFR operations
AIM applicable to IFR operations
ATC system and operations for IFR
IFR navigation and approaches
IFR en route and IA charts
Getting and using weather information
Safe and efficient use of aircraft in IFR conditions
Recognition of critical conditions, wind shear avoidance
Good judgment and decision making

(Append to logbook on separate sheet)
Student_______________#________________Instructor_____________# ___________

Here is the new IFR endorsement, per AC 61.65D:
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.65(c) and (d). I have determined he/she is prepared for the Instrument Airplane practical test.

S/S [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-00

Required Flight Proficiency
 Preflight preparation
Preflight procedures
ATC clearances and procedures
Flight by reference to instruments
Navigations systems
Instrument approach procedures
Emergency operations
Post flight procedures

New Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards
 FAA-S-8081-4B $2.50
 Get, study, and make performance cards from POH. Make note of special system procedures such as vacuum backup, gear, and emergency.
 Review procedures for getting weather, NOTAMs, and different methods of filing flight plans.
 You should be familiar with pop-up, tower en-route, void-time, and pre-filed procedures. You cannot maintain proficiency by only flying 6 and 6.

Once learned, procedures are best practiced in an airplane. Non-precision approaches which require circle-to-land require special attention. There are several altitude 'busts' possible and you must be able to maneuver close to the airport for landing.

Each objective in the PTS is given in four parts. There is a certain amount of (1)knowledge required, a (2)recommended scan technique, a (3)performance standard, and (4)partial panel performance. Straight-and-level requires heading within 10 degrees, altitude within 100' and airspeed within 10 knots. For an instructor to sign off a student as competent these parameters should be cut in half.

FAR 61.45 requires applicant to bring an airplane in which all required tasks can be demonstrated.

Reference on how to do a particular manoeuvre required by the PTS can be located in the PTS below the task required section in each area of operation. The PTS provides a reference list of required documents, materials, aircraft and instruction. Confirm by reference to the PTS that you are being trained to meet all of the tasks and objectives listed in the PTS.

IFR Endorsements
One of the logbook endorsements that the FAA requires the recommending instructor (CFII) to sign is:
"I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the required training of § 61.65(c) and (d). I have determined he/she is prepared for the Instrument - (Airplane, Helicopter, or Powered-lift) practical test."

61.65(d)(2)(iii) states:
For an instrument -- airplane rating, instrument training on cross-country flight procedures specific to airplanes that includes at least one cross-country flight in an airplane that is performed under IFR, and consists of -
(A) A distance of at least 250 nautical miles along airways or ATC-directed routing;
(B) An instrument approach at each airport; and
(C) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems;

Reason for PTS Checkride Failure
1. Inability to perform DME arc approaches. If DME exist in aircraft, DME arc must be performed.
2. Partial panel approaches. Use partial panel approaches from beginning of instruction.
3. Aircraft Systems must be understood as required by PTS.
4. Orientation and situational awareness due to lack of experience.
5. Radio failure procedures. Memorization won’t work.
6. Fly practice IFR flights as VFR with radio failure simulations that require use of procedures.

I. AREA OF OPERATION(FAA-S-8081-4A)
GROUND PHASE
A. TASK: OBTAINING WEATHER INFORMATION
PILOT OPERATION - 4
REFERENCES: FAR Part 61; AC 00-6 and AC 00-45; and AIM
Objective,
1, Able to obtain, read, and interpret weather information
2, Weather related to this flight
 We will make of weather what we want it to be when the desire to fly is great enough
 Pilots don’t fly into thunderstorms but will fly into low visibility such as un-reportable haze.
 Get the lifted index along your route. A positive index means visibility problems without storms
 You can anticipate fog any time the temperature/dew point spread is 4-degrees.and decreasing

Computing Cloud Bases
Take the difference between the temperature and the dew point. Then divide by the convergence rate (standard convergence is 4.4 per thousand-feet) and multiply by 1000.  This is always an AGL estimate where you will be flying an MSL altitude. Plan accordingly.

B. TASK: CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT PLANNING
PILOT OPERATION - 4
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27; and AIM
Objective:
l. Plan flight within regulations and flight rules.
2, Know aircraft performance and handbook calculations as required for this IFR flight
3. IFR chart selection and interpretation
4. Selection and interpretation of NOTAMS
5. Knows aircraft capability and handbook calculations (FAA pays by the word. Much the same as #3)
6. Files and flies flight as planned.
7. Use of DUATS
Likelihood of Accidents
All exacerbated by inexperience

C. TASK: AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS RELATED TO IFR OPERATION
PILOT OPERATION - 4
REFERENCES: FAR Part 61; and AC 61-27
Objective. Knowledge of aircraft systems and operation of:
1. Airframe
2. Propeller/intakes
3. Fuel system
4. pitot-static

D. TASK: AIRCRAFT FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS AND NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT
PILOT OPERATION - 4
REFERENCES: FAR Part 61 and AC 61-27
Objective.
1. Knowledge of system and operation of:
a. pitot-static
b. altimeter
c. airspeed indicator
d. vertical speed indicator
e. attitude indicator
f. horizontal situation indicator
g. magnetic compass
h. turn-and-slip indicator/turn coordinator
i. heading indicator
1. Knowledge and use of navigational systems:
a. VOR
b. DME
c. ILS and MLS
d. Markers
e. Transponder
f. Automatic direction finder (ADF)

E. TASK: INSTRUMENT COCKPIT CHECK
PILOT OPERATION - 5
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; and AC 61-27
Objective.
1. Preflight check of instruments and why.
2. Preflight use of checklist
3. Determines safety and legality of flight:
a. Radios
b. Navigation equipment
(1) VOR
(2) ADF
(3) ILS
(4) Markers
(5) DME
(6) GPS
c. Compass
d. Heading indicator
e. Attitude indicator
f. Altimeter
g. Turn-and-slip indicator/turn coordinator
h. Vertical speed indicator
i. Airspeed indicator
j. Clock
k. Vacuum/electric
l. pitot heat
4. Discrepancies and legality to fly.
II. AREA OF OPERATION
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCES AND PROCEDURES
(Actual or simulated)

A. TASK: AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CLEARANCES
PILOT OPERATION- 2
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27; and AIM
Objective.
1. Knows elements of clearance, division of responsibilities, and types of clearances
2. Copies clearance as issued
3. Checks clearance against aircraft capabilities and charts.
4. Requests changes, clarifications or verifications
5. Correctly reads back clearance as received
6. Use of standard phraseology
7. Presets radio, navaid, and transponder

B. TASK: COMPLIANCE WITH DEPARTURE, EN ROUTE, AND ARRIVAL PROCEDURES AND CLEARANCES
PILOT OPERATION - 2
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27; SID; En-Route Low Altitude Charts and
STAR
Objective.
1. Knows charts and division of responsibility
2. Use of current and appropriate charts
3. Use of correct nav/com frequencies and settings
4. Use of checklists for each phase of flight
5. Communications with correct phraseology
6. Compliance with ATC instructions and restrictions
7. Knows radio failure procedures
8. Flies route as cleared
9. Within flight tolerances of 10/10/100 and track

C. TASK; HOLDING PROCEDURES
(DME only if equipped)
PILOT OPERATION - 2
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27; and AIM
Objective.
1. Knows how to hold
2. Knows when to slow down for hold (3 minutes)
3. Uses FAA entry procedure (?) for holding
4. Initiates hold at fix
5. Knows when report required to ATC
6. Uses time as required by ATC
7. Uses DME for holding leg lengths
8. Uses adjustments for wind and time in holding
9. Holds within 10/10/100 and holding tolerances
III. AREA OF OPERATION
FLIGHT BY REFERENCE TO INSTRUMENTS
(Partial panel required)

A. TASK: STRAIGHT-AND-LEVEL FLIGHT
PILOT OPERATION -1
REFERENCES: FAR Part 61; and AC 61-27
Objective.
1. Able to fly straight-and-level
2. Able to flight straight-and-level while changing configuration
3. Keeps tolerances of 10/10/100
4. Uses proper(?) cross-check with appropriate(?) pitch, bank, power and trim

B. TASK: CHANGE OF AIRSPEED
PILOT OPERATION - 1
REFERENCES: FAR Part 61; and AC 61-27
Objective.
1. Able to change airspeed in straight-and-level and turns
2. Proper use of power in changing airspeed
3. Maintains 10/10/100 tolerances
4. Uses proper (?) cross-check and appropriate (?)pitch, bank, power and trim

C. TASK: CONSTANT AIRSPEED CLIMBS AND DESCENTS
PILOT OPERATION - 1
REFERENCES: FAR PART 61; AND ac 61-27
Objective.
1. Able to fly constant airspeed climbs and descents
2. Able to fly constant airspeed climbs and descents in turns between specific altitudes
3. Flies from specific altitudes and headings into constant airspeed climbs and descents
4. Sets attitude and power for selected climb or descent performance.
5. Keeps 10/10/100 tolerances
6. All level-offs within 100'
7. Uses proper (?) cross-check and appropriate pitch, bank, power and trim

D. TASK: RATE CLIMBS AND DESCENTS
PILOT OPERATION - 1
REFERENCES: FAR Part 61; and AC 61-27
Objective.
1. Able to fly rate climbs and descents
2. Able to fly rate climbs and descents between altitudes straight or in turns
3. Able to enter rate climbs and descents from specific altitude, airspeed and heading
4. Sets pitch and power and bank for rate climb or descent
5. Keeps 10/10/100 and 5 degree bank tolerances
6. All level-offs within 100'
7. Uses proper cross-check and appropriate pitch, bank, power and trim

E. TASK: TIMED TURNS TO MAGNETIC COMPASS HEADINGS
PILOT COOPERATION - 1
REFERENCES: FAR PART 61; AND ac 61-27
Objective.
1. Understands calibration of turn coordinator, operation of compass and making of timed turns
2. Can fly left and right standard rate turns
3. Uses clock to calibrate turn coordinator
4. Adjusts turn coordinator position for standard rate turns
5. Makes compass timed turns
6. Keeps 10/10/100 and + 5 degree rate turns, recovery to selected heading within 10 degrees

F. TASK: STEEP TURNS
PILOT OPERATION -1
REFERENCES: FAR Part 61; and AC 61-27
Objectives.
1. Able to fly steep turns IFR
2. Makes 45 degree steep bank
3. 360 or 180 degrees left and right
4. 10/10/100 tolerances (10 on rollout + 5 degrees of bank
5. Uses proper cross-check and appropriate pitch, bank, power and trim

G. TASK: RECOVERY FROM UNUSUAL FLIGHT ATTITUDES
PILOT OPERATION - 5
REFERENCES: FAR Part 61; and AC 61-27
Objectives.
1. Can recover from nose high/low attitudes IFR
2. Recovers using proper cross-check and proper pitch, bank and power in correct sequence

  1. Decreased visibility (Turn away to best visibility to prevent accident)

  2. Descend lower

  3. CFIT at high speed

  4. 89% fatality rate

    Recovery from Unusual Attitudes
    High Speed
     Reduce power , wings level, raise nose, to level, cruise flight
    Low Speed
    Lower nose, level wings, add power, cruise flight

    Spin recovery
    1. Idle power, flaps up
    2. Full opposite rudder to direction
    3. Rapid full forward elevator to break stall
    4. Letting go of controls does not always work on fully developed spins

Scan
Regardless of your scan training , you will sooner or later with sufficient practice develop your own scan.

Failed Instruments
1. Identify the failure and COVER the instrument
2. Declare an emergency and climb wings level regardless of direction
3. Go partial panel

Pitot static family
Airspeed uses both, VSI and altimeter use only static
VSI has calibrated leak…it lies
Vacuum Family
Heading indicator and attitude indicator

Failures
Airspeed-- to zero or default speed – turn on pitot heat head for warmth
Drainhole-- heavy rain or ice can make static instruments erratic
Both blocked causes airspeed to act as an altimeter-going up increases speed, descent slows speed.
Static hole blocked—VSI and altimeter ‘freeze’---constant altitude is a warning
Use of alternate air gives slightly higher airspeeds and altitudes

Worst Case Is Gradual Vacuum Failure
1. Gyro shaft is designed to break causing slowdown and gradual failure
2. Usually part of checkride
3. Detect the lie existing between Instruments
4. Detect the liar and look for flags
5. Lost heading indicator and attitude indicator (COVER)
6. Maintaining control is more important than getting down, up or on heading.
7. The killer is any disorientation that causes a loss of control.

IV. AREA OF OPERATING
NAVIGATION AIDS

A. TASK: INTERCEPTING AND TRACKING VOR/VORTAC RADIALS AND DME ARCS
PILOT OPERATION -2
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27; and AIM
Objectives.
1. Understands VOR/VORTAC and DME arc interception and tracking.
2. Tunes and identifies before using navaids
3. Correctly sets OBS to desired radial (RMI)
4. Intercepts radial TO/FROM navaid at appropriate angle
5. Flies interception and tracking of radials at 10/5/100 (Note: headings within five degrees)
6. Flies radial within 3/4 deflection of CDI (Course deviation indicator) or 10 degrees of RMI
7. Can determine position relative to navaid
8. Can intercept DME arc and stay within mile of arc
9. Recognizes navaid failure and reports to ATC


B. TASK: INTERCEPTING AND TRACKING NDB
PILOT OPERATION - 2
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27 and AIM
Objective.
1. Able to intercept and track NDB bearing
2. Tunes and identifies navaids
3. Monitors navaid operation
4. Determines relative bearing of NDB
5. Uses double the angle interception to or from NDB
6. Tracks to NDB at 10/5/100
7. Heading to correct track within 10 degrees
8. Knows position relative to NDB
9. Knows of ADF/NDB failure and reports to ATC
V. AREA OF OPERATION:
INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURES

A. TASK: VOR/VORTAC INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE
PILOT OPERATION - 3
REFERENCES FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-17; Standard instrument approach procedure
chart; and AIM
Objective.
1. Knows elements of VOR/VORTAC approach procedure
2. Uses appropriate VOR/VORTAC procedures
3. Uses appropriate radios and phraseology throughout
4. Selects, tunes, identifies and monitors to assure status of navaids (keeps volume audible)
5. Complies with clearances of ATC or examiner
6. Detects failure of AI or HI (resets) advises ATC
7. Advises ATC or examiner if aircraft unable to comply with a clearance
8. Sets approach configuration and speed and uses checklists
9. Keeps 10/10/100 and less than full scale CDI deviation
10. Makes MDA adjustments required by:
a. FDC and Class II NOTAMS
b. Inoperative aircraft/navaids
c. Inoperative visuals
d. Weather reports and criteria
11. Flies descent and track to reach MDA prior to MAP with aircraft able to make normal landing
12. Final approach segment keeps within 10 kts and 3/4 scale deflection of CDI(10 degrees RMI)
13. Maintains the MDA when reached +100/-0 to MAP
14. Executes missed if visual reference not acquired at MAP
15. Executes normal landing as instructed by examiner

B. TASK: NDB INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE
PILOT OPERATION - 3
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27; Standard instrument approach procedure
chart; and AIM
Objective.
1. Knows elements of NDB approach procedure
2. Flies appropriate NDB approach procedure
3. Uses appropriate radio phraseology throughout
4. Selects, tunes, identifies, confirms and monitors navaid status
5. Complies with clearances issued by ATC or examiner
6. Detects AI or HI failure or inaccuracy advises ATC
7. Advises ATC when aircraft unable to comply with clearance.
8. Uses checklist to configure aircraft for phase of flight
9. Flies within 10/10/100 tolerances
10. Makes MDA adjustments required by
a. FDC and Class II NOTAMS
b. Inoperative aircraft/navaids
c. Inoperative visuals
d. Weather reports and criteria
11. Flies descent and track to reach MDA prior to MAP with aircraft able to make normal landing
12. Final approach segment keeps within 10 kts and 3/4 scale deflection of CDI(10degrees(RMI)
13. Maintains the MDA when reached +100/-0 to MAP
14. Executes missed if visual reference not acquired at MAP
15. Executes normal landing as instructed by examiner

C. TASK: ILS/MLS INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE
PILOT OPERATION - 3
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27; Standard instrument approach procedure
chart; and AIM
Objective.
1. Knows elements of ILS/MLS approach procedure
2. Uses appropriate ILS/MLS procedures
3. Uses appropriate radios and phraseology throughout
4. Selects, tunes, identifies and monitors to assure status of navaids
5. Complies with clearances of ATC or examiner
6. Advises when aircraft unable to comply
7. Sets approach configuration and speed and uses checklists
8. Keeps 10/10/100 tolerances
9. Makes MDA adjustments required by:
a. FDC and Class II NOTAMS
b. Inoperative aircraft/navaids
c. Inoperative visuals
d. Weather reports and criteria
10. Flies from interception a descent that follows glide slope
11. Flies within 10 kts and 3/4 deflection of localizer and glide slope
12. No descent below DH before making missed or landing
13. Executes missed at DH if visual reference not acquired
14. Executes normal landing

D. TASK: MISSED APPROACH PROCEDURES
PILOT OPERATION - 5
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27; Standard instrument approach procedure
chart; and AIM
Objective.
1. Knows missed approach procedures and chart interpretation
2. Initiates by power, pitch attitude, configuration and trim
3. Advises ATC of missed
4. Complies with published or alternate procedures
5. Advises ATC or examiner if aircraft unable to comply with a clearance
6. Uses checklist
7. Requests ATC clearance to alternate
8. Keeps 10/10/100 tolerances during missed

E. TASK: CIRCLING APPROACH PROCEDURE
PILOT OPERATION -3
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27; Standard instrument approach procedures
chart; and AIM
Objective.
1. Knows elements of circling approach procedure
2. Flies appropriate circling procedure within capabilities of aircraft
3. Complies with pattern, restrictions and directions of ATC and examiner
4. Maintains criteria of visibility and altitude until established for normal landing

F. TASK: LANDING FROM A STRAIGHT-IN OR CIRCLING APPROACH PROCEDURE
PILOT OPERATION - 3
REFERENCES: FAR Parts 61 and 91; AC 61-27; and AIM
Objective.
1. Knows responsibilities to the environment, the operational area and meteorological factors for types of landings.
2. Makes normal landing from DH, MDA, or VDP
3. Adheres to all advisories related to operations considerations
4. Uses checklists for all phases of flight

The Written
 Study up on RNAV approaches. Use the plates in your Jepp or Gleim book on RNAV
 Know how many waypoints are needed for a complete approach.
 Know how to interpret the RMI.
 Know how to interpret the panel to determine aircraft attitude and which instrument has failed.
 Know how to interpret the panel to determine the unusual attitude and required procedure.
 Know how to interpret the fixed-card ADF and heading of the plane.
 Know the 24hour low-level significant weather prognostic chart.
 Know aeromedical factors...especially hypoxia.
 Know the aircraft codes determined by equipment aboard.
 Know your approach plate symbols such as the lightning bolt symbol and the Maltese cross.
 Know the minimum altitude specified for glide slope interception -- make sure you know what every number is for.
 Know the 'upper level charts' like those synonymous with the tropopause or winds aloft. Know the simple questions in using the charts such as when should you switch VOR's.
 Be prepared to calculate DME arc lengths in Instrument Departure Procedures.
 Know how 'line of sight' distances determine frequency selection.
 Be able to interpret a METAR to calculate the depth of the overcast layer. (AGL or MSL)
 Know the facts on being PIC and currency requirements.
 To carry passengers for hire AT NIGHT you need to have...?
 Know how to interpret the HSI.
 Be able to interpret your position on the front/back course of the localizer with respect to a VOR display or HSI display.
 Know NTSB 830 regulations and reporting requirements.
How do you meet the requirements for entering controlled (Class E) airspace in IMC with a filed IFR flight plan but without an ATC clearance?
 Know the rules for NORDO operations as required by FAR 91.185.
 Know how to determine your location on the airway' by interpreting VOR displays.
 Know how to interpret the altimeter...and use the words for the altitude indicated.
 Know the distinctions between and importance of the MRA, MEA and MOCA.
 Know how the MSA circle is made on the approach plate.
 Know when you can descend from an ATC assigned altitude anywhere on the approach.
 How to determine and enter a holding pattern entries using NDBs.
 Know the appropriate entry method to the facility (VOR) specified in the missed approach procedure.