Welcome -
This page contains links to various presentations I have developed to help someone studying for the FAA's instrument practice test. As a result, I have tried to correlate the presentations with the FAA instrument practical test standards' Areas of Operation. However, there are many overlapping areas and consequently, not all Areas of Operation are always identified. The links can be accessed by clicking on the bold title of each subsection. These were developed as part of my preparation for the CFII checkride and for Instrument Ground classes I have led. Please enjoy learning about safe instrument flight from these presentations. Bob |
FAA Special Emphasis AreasHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the areas identified by the FAA special emphasis areas. Examiners are required by the FAA to emphasize areas of aircraft operations considered critical to flight safety, including those identified as special emphasis areas. Study this material carefully to meet the instrument PTS standards. Loss of Communications
Here is a link to a PowerPoint that covers how to handle the loss of communications while on an IFR flight plan. The material covers the knowledge to meet instrument PTS Area of Operation VII.A. |
FAA Instrument Practical Test StandardsLink to the FAA Instrument Practical test standards
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Single Pilot Resource Management (SRM)
Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the Single Pilot Resource Management areas identified by the FAA in the practical test standards. Examiners are required by the FAA to incorporate SRM into all areas of aircraft operations. This is an area that once understood makes a lot of sense, but the model can be difficult to visualize so I have included a diagram of my understanding of the process. |
Pilot Qualifications
Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the Pilot qualifications required for an instrument rating and to exercise instrument privileges. This covers the knowledge to meet instrument PTS Area of Operation I. A. Departure Considerations and Procedures Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the departure procedures and considerations applicable to an IFR departure. Standard Terminal Arrival Routes Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the terminal arrival procedures and considerations applicable to an IFR arrival. |
Aviation Weather Charts Powerpoint
Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of weather charts to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation I.B.1 For Area of Operation I.B.2. (weather analysis) I believe you should read a more compete text on this subject. I would suggest reading Gliem's Aviation Weather and Weather Services. I can also recommend the FAA's Aviation Weather For Pilots and Flight Operations Personnel (AC 00-6A), Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45G), the Weather chapters 11 and 12 in the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge FAA-H-8083-25A and General Aviation Pilot’s Guide to Preflight Weather Planning, Weather Self-Briefings, and Weather Decision Making. |
Cross Country Flight Planning
Part 1 Part 2 Here is a link to a PowerPoint (divided into 2 parts) explaining the planning that is required for a cross country flight. I have chosen a flight from KVGT to KLAX as it has a number of interesting considerations. This covers the knowledge to meet instrument PTS Area of Operation I. C. In addition it covers much of the material described in the FAA's Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) Guidance in Step 1. Part 2 of this presentation also covers loss of communications the knowledge to meet instrument PTS Area of Operation VII.A. |
Icing PowerPoint
Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of Aircraft Systems related to IFR flight in icing conditions to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Areas of Operation I.C.8, 9 & 10, II. A, and special emphasis area (12). Also be sure to read the FAA's Pilot Guide to Flight in Icing Conditions |
Instruments Required for Instrument Flight and Cockpit ChecksHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamental instruments required for instrument flight to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation II B.1 along with a description of their operating characteristics. In addition, much of the information required for the PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation II.C. is included within the PowerPoint. If you are using an aircraft with an electronic flight display (PFD/MFD) you will need to review the manual for the system to fully understand your instrumentation.
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Aircraft Navigation Systems
The information for PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation II.B.2. is incorporated into the PowerPoints for the various types of approaches described on this page. VOR and for VOR navigation DME ILS Marker Beacon ADF GPS |
Air Traffic Control Clearances and Procedures
This PowerPoint covers the fundamentals of air traffic controls and procedures to meet the instrument PTS knowledge standard for Areas of Operation III.A. and B. |
IFR Holding Procedures PowerPointHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining holding techniques. This covers the fundamentals of holding to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation III. C.
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Flight by Reference to Instruments - Basic Instrument Flight Maneuvers
Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of instrument scans, instrument interpretation and aircraft control to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation IV. A. and VII. D.
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Unusual Attitude Recovery
Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of unusual attitudes and recovery from unusual attitudes. This covers the fundamentals to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation IV.B. |
VOR and DME NavigationHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of VORs, VOR navigation and DME to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation V
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DME ARC ProceduresHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of DME Arcs to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation V
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Airways - What you always wanted to knowHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of airways to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation III. B. 1.
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Tower Enroute Control Flight ProceduresHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of tower enroute procedures to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation III. A. 1. and B.1
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VOR Approach PowerPoint
Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of a VOR approach to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation VI. A. |
NDB Approach Powerpoint
Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of a NDB approach to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation VI. A. |
GPS Approach PowerPointHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of GPS and a GPS
approach to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation VI. |
ILS Approach PowerPointHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of an ILS system and approach. This covers the fundamentals of a precision approach to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation VI. B. Here is a link to a PowerPoint providing follow-on information for Localizer, SDA and LDA approaches.
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Non-Standard Instrument Approaches
Here is a link to a PowerPoint explaining LDA, SDF, GLS, MLS, Visual, Contact, PAR and ASR appoaches to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation VI |
Missed Approach ProceduresHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of missed approach procedures. This covers the fundamentals of a missed approach to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation VI. C.
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Circle to Land InformationHere is a link to a document explaining circling to land procedures. This covers the fundamentals of circling to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation VI. D.
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Timed TurnsHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of timed turns to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation VII. D.
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Compass Turns and Compass ErrorsHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the fundamentals of compass turns and common compass errors to meet instrument PTS knowledge standard for Area of Operation II A. and B.
Approach LightingHere is a link to a PowerPoint explaining the different types of approach lighting systems and describes how to use them
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FAA Instrument Proficiency Check
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Suggested Readings
Below are my suggested readings for the instrument practical test and for the CFII practical test. They will cover most of the material you will need. Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) Instrument Procedures Handbook AC 00-6B - Aviation Weather For Pilots and Flight Operations Personnel AC 00-45F Aviation Weather Services handbook FAA Regulations (FAR) Airman's Information Manual (AIM) FAA - Aviation Chart User's Guide Textbook Jeppessen - Instrument/Commercial Manual; or ASA - The Pilot's Manual - Instrument Flying Exam Oral Preparation - ASA Instrument Oral Exam Guide Written Exam Book - Instrument Pilot FAA Knowledge Test book Software - Instrument Ground School |