Instrument Rating (IRA) Practical Test Planning

Airman Certification Standards (ACS) The practical test will be based on the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) FAA-S-ACS-8C.

In addition to reviewing the main contents of the ACS, we also recommend reviewing: Appendix 1: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and Outcomes.

Additional Information/Notes:

  • Your examiner's flying weight is 180 pounds.

  • Any resource items you deem helpful may be brought to the test as reference material.

  • You may utilize paper charts and reference materials or an EFB at your discretion.

  • For cross-country planning, if a destination airport is not specified in the scenario, you may select any airport in proximity to the area specified.

  • If the assigned cross-country scenario is a round trip, you only need to plan for one-way.

  • All performance data and weight and balance calculations for the given scenario and our local flight should be complete prior to arriving for the practical test.

  • A “standard” weather briefing for the assigned scenario should be completed and available for reference during the test.

  • A view limiting device is required for simulated instrument conditions.

  • Do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or need additional information.

Flight Scenarios Please select and plan for ONE of the following scenarios for your evaluation:

  • Scenario 1: You are planning a trip from Anderson, SC to Tri-Cities, TN to attend a race at Bristol Motor Speedway. As an instrument rated pilot, you will be filing an IFR flight plan for this trip. One of your friends mentions that they are also planning to go to the same race and offers to split the costs of the flight if they can tag along instead of driving. You explain the items that they are allowed to split the cost for and tell them that they are welcome to come along. Your friend’s weight is 180 pounds and they will be bringing a daypack that weighs 15 pounds. You both agree to meet at the airport at 0900 for the flight and plan to return the same day after the night races conclude. You are planning to use GPS navigation along T-routes.

  • Scenario 2: You have been at a week long business event in Chattanooga, TN and are planning to fly back to Greensboro, NC (KGSO) when the event ends. The event is being held adjacent to the airport and concludes at 1900. You are an instrument rated private pilot and will be filing an IFR flight plan back to the Greensboro area. At the event, a fellow attendee mentions that they are also going to Greensboro and asks if they can go with you; you agree. The passenger tells you that they weigh 180 pounds and have about 50 pounds of luggage. You also have a 50 pound suitcase.

  • Scenario 3: Create your own IFR cross-country scenario. Choose a destination at least 150 nautical miles from your departure airport and a reason for the flight. Assume you are taking one passenger (weighing 190 lbs) with 20 lbs of bags. Ensure you clearly outline the reason for the trip, passengers and weights, baggage distribution, and any specific issues (airspace, weather fronts) you planned around.