Airworthy PrepArea VI of 8
Instrument Approach Procedures
26% of the Instrument Rating test, about 16 of the 60 questions. The FAA's test standard lists 5 tasks and 13 knowledge elements and 30 risk management elements for this area. Here is every one, plus sample questions to try.
What the FAA tests
From the Instrument Rating Airplane test standard, FAA-S-ACS-8C.
Task A. Non-precision Approach
Knowledge: what you must know
- IR.VI.A.K1Procedures and limitations associated with a non-precision approach, including the differences between Localizer Performance (LP) and Lateral Navigation (LNAV) approach guidance.
- IR.VI.A.K2Navigation system indications and annunciations expected during an area navigation (RNAV) approach.
- IR.VI.A.K3Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems used for a non-precision approach.
- IR.VI.A.K4A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
Risk management: hazards you must be able to spot and manage
- IR.VI.A.R1Deviating from the assigned approach procedure.
- IR.VI.A.R2Selecting a navigation frequency.
- IR.VI.A.R3Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
- IR.VI.A.R4Aircraft configuration during an approach and missed approach.
- IR.VI.A.R5An unstable approach, including excessive descent rates.
- IR.VI.A.R6Deteriorating weather conditions on approach.
- IR.VI.A.R7Operating below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) without proper visual references.
Task B. Precision Approach
Knowledge: what you must know
- IR.VI.B.K1Procedures and limitations associated with a precision approach, including determining required descent rates and adjusting minimums in the case of inoperative equipment.
- IR.VI.B.K2Navigation system displays, annunciations, and modes of operation.
- IR.VI.B.K3Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity).
- IR.VI.B.K4A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
Risk management: hazards you must be able to spot and manage
- IR.VI.B.R1Deviating from the assigned approach procedure.
- IR.VI.B.R2Selecting a navigation frequency.
- IR.VI.B.R3Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
- IR.VI.B.R4Aircraft configuration during an approach and missed approach.
- IR.VI.B.R5An unstable approach, including excessive descent rates.
- IR.VI.B.R6Deteriorating weather conditions on approach.
- IR.VI.B.R7Continuing to descend below the Decision Altitude (DA)/Decision Height (DH) when the required visual references are not visible.
Task C. Missed Approach
Knowledge: what you must know
- IR.VI.C.K1Elements related to missed approach procedures and limitations associated with standard instrument approaches, including while using a flight management system (FMS) or autopilot, if equipped.
Risk management: hazards you must be able to spot and manage
- IR.VI.C.R1Deviations from prescribed procedures or ATC instructions.
- IR.VI.C.R2Holding, diverting, or electing to fly the approach again.
- IR.VI.C.R3Aircraft configuration during an approach and missed approach.
- IR.VI.C.R4Factors that might lead to executing a missed approach procedure before the MAP or to a go-around below DA, DH, or MDA, as applicable.
- IR.VI.C.R5Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
Task D. Circling Approach
Knowledge: what you must know
- IR.VI.D.K1Elements related to circling approach procedures and limitations, including approach categories and related airspeed restrictions.
Risk management: hazards you must be able to spot and manage
- IR.VI.D.R1Prescribed circling approach procedures.
- IR.VI.D.R2Executing a circling approach at night or with marginal visibility.
- IR.VI.D.R3Losing visual contact with an identifiable part of the airport.
- IR.VI.D.R4Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.
- IR.VI.D.R5Management of altitude, airspeed, or distance while circling.
- IR.VI.D.R6Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
- IR.VI.D.R7Executing a missed approach after the MAP while circling.
Task E. Landing from an Instrument Approach
Knowledge: what you must know
- IR.VI.E.K1Elements related to the pilot’s responsibilities, and the environmental, operational, and meteorological factors that affect landing from a straight-in or circling approach.
- IR.VI.E.K2Airport signs, markings, and lighting, including approach lighting systems.
- IR.VI.E.K3Appropriate landing profiles and aircraft configurations.
Risk management: hazards you must be able to spot and manage
- IR.VI.E.R1Attempting to land from an unstable approach.
- IR.VI.E.R2Flying below the glidepath.
- IR.VI.E.R3Transitioning from instrument to visual references for landing.
- IR.VI.E.R4Aircraft configuration for landing.
Try 2 sample questions
Instrument Approach Procedures · IR.VI.E.K2
Using the figure, you are on the visual segment to a runway served by a 2-bar VASI. You see the lights as in presentation 2, with the far bar red and the near bar white. What does this show?
Instrument Approach Procedures · IR.VI.A.K1
Flying an LNAV approach at the MDA, you see the runway lights clearly 1 NM before reaching the published visual descent point (VDP). Flight visibility meets the minimum. What does the AIM recommend?
Practice all of instrument approach procedures
The full course has questions on every element listed here, with an explanation and FAA source for each.