FAA IFB Knowledge Test — Instrument Rating Foreign Pilot via BASA (61.71)

Which set of prerequisites must a foreign pilot license holder fulfill to obtain an FAA Instrument Rating under 14 CFR 61.71 pursuant to a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA)?

• AHold an unrestricted foreign pilot license with an instrument rating from a BASA country,…
• BComplete 40 hours of dual instrument flight instruction in US airspace, pass the FAA Inst…
• CHold any valid foreign private pilot license, complete a 10-hour FAA ground school course…
• DSurrender the foreign pilot certificate to the FAA, complete an Instrument Proficiency Ch…

To act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of an aircraft under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR, what recency of experience must a pilot accomplish within the preceding 6 calendar months under 14 CFR 61.57(c)?

• A6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking cour…
• B3 instrument approaches, 3 hours of simulated instrument time, and 1 night cross-country…
• C10 instrument approaches in actual IMC and an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) administ…
• D6 hours of instrument flight time including 3 landings to a full stop under IMC condition…

A pilot allows their instrument currency under 14 CFR 61.57(c) to lapse. A 6-month grace period passes during which the pilot still does not accomplish the required 6 approaches, holding, and tracking. What must the pilot do to regain instrument currency?

• APass an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) administered by an authorized flight instructo…
• BLog 6 instrument approaches in VFR conditions with any private pilot acting as a visual l…
• CRetake the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test (IFB or IRA) at an official PSI testing c…
• DComplete 10 hours of dual instrument instruction with a CFII and submit a logbook endorse…

Under 14 CFR 91.167, an IFR flight plan is filed for a destination estimated at 2 hours 15 minutes flight time. Weather forecasts require an alternate airport, which is 45 minutes from the destination. If fuel consumption is 14 gallons per hour (GPH), what is the minimum fuel required on board at takeoff?

• A52.5 gallons
• B42.0 gallons
• C45.5 gallons
• D63.0 gallons

According to 14 CFR 91.169, when is an alternate airport NOT required to be listed on an IFR flight plan for a destination airport with a published instrument approach procedure?

• AWhen weather forecasts indicate that for at least 1 hour before to 1 hour after estimated…
• BWhen weather forecasts indicate that from 2 hours before to 2 hours after ETA, the ceilin…
• CWhenever the destination airport has at least two precision ILS approaches facing opposit…
• DWhen the aircraft is carrying enough fuel for 2 hours of reserve flight beyond the destin…

If standard alternate minimums apply, what weather forecast minimums at the estimated time of arrival (ETA) are required for an airport to be designated as an alternate on an IFR flight plan?

• APrecision approach: Ceiling 600 feet and visibility 2 SM; Non-precision approach: Ceiling…
• BPrecision approach: Ceiling 800 feet and visibility 2 SM; Non-precision approach: Ceiling…
• CPrecision approach: Ceiling 500 feet and visibility 1 SM; Non-precision approach: Ceiling…
• DPrecision approach: Ceiling 200 feet and visibility 1/2 SM; Non-precision approach: Ceili…

Under 14 CFR 91.175, when executing an instrument approach, a pilot seeing ONLY the approach light system may descend below MDA or DA to what altitude above touchdown zone elevation?

• A100 feet above touchdown zone elevation, unless the red terminating bars or red side row…
• B200 feet above touchdown zone elevation under all conditions.
• C50 feet above touchdown zone elevation, provided the flight visibility equals published m…
• DGround level (touchdown), provided the decision altitude was reached on a continuous 3-de…

Which visual reference is explicitly listed under 14 CFR 91.175 as permitting a pilot to descend below MDA or DA all the way to a landing?

• AThe runway threshold, threshold markings, or threshold lights.
• BThe airport rotating beacon.
• CThe taxiway centerline lights of the primary departure taxiway.
• DThe hazard identification lights on nearby obstacle towers.

Under 14 CFR 91.177, unless otherwise authorized by ATC, what is the minimum altitude for IFR operations in designated mountainous terrain when no applicable minimum altitude is prescribed on the chart?

• A2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 nautical miles fr…
• B1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 5 nautical miles fr…
• C1,500 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 2 nautical miles fr…
• D2,500 feet above ground level along the entire centerline of the airway.

What protection and operational assurance does a Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA) guarantee on an IFR enroute chart?

• AObstacle clearance along the entire route segment, and VOR navigation signal coverage wit…
• BContinuous VOR navigation signal coverage and two-way ATC radio communications along the…
• CObstacle clearance and radar contact along the route, but no navigation signal coverage.
• DObstacle clearance within 10 NM of the airway centerline and guaranteed ILS signal recept…

Under 14 CFR 91.179, what cruising altitude rule applies to an IFR flight in uncontrolled airspace (Class G) when flying on a magnetic course of 090 degrees?

• AOdd thousand-foot MSL altitudes (e.g., 5,000, 7,000, 9,000 ft).
• BEven thousand-foot MSL altitudes (e.g., 4,000, 6,000, 8,000 ft).
• COdd thousand-foot MSL altitudes plus 500 feet (e.g., 5,500, 7,500 ft).
• DAny altitude selected by the pilot-in-command, regardless of magnetic course.

Under 14 CFR 91.171, what is the maximum allowable bearing error when performing a VOR equipment check using an FAA-operated VOT (FAA VOR test facility) ground signal?

• APlus or minus 4 degrees.
• BPlus or minus 6 degrees.
• CPlus or minus 2 degrees.
• DPlus or minus 8 degrees.

What operational information must be entered into the aircraft log or other permanent record following a required VOR operational check under 14 CFR 91.171?

• ADate, place of check, bearing error, and pilot signature.
• BDate, Hobbs meter reading, tachometer time, and aircraft tail number.
• CPlace of check, altimeter setting, outside air temperature, and CFI number.
• DVOR station frequency, pilot certificate number, approach speed, and wind direction.

A pilot performs a dual VOR equipment check on the ground prior to an IFR flight. VOR receiver #1 indicates 092 degrees FROM the station, while VOR receiver #2 indicates 098 degrees FROM the same station. Is the VOR navigation system legal for IFR flight under 14 CFR 91.171?

• ANo; the maximum permissible variation between two VOR receivers tuned to the same station…
• BYes; dual VOR receivers are permitted a maximum variation of up to 6 degrees.
• CYes; provided both receivers indicate within 10 degrees of the published airport compass…
• DNo; dual VOR checks are only valid if both receivers display identical bearing readings (…

Which instrument is required under 14 CFR 91.205(d) specifically for IFR flight, in addition to standard VFR daylight equipment?

• AA sensitive altimeter adjustable for barometric pressure.
• BA radar altimeter with visual and auditory decision height alerts.
• CA dual-channel autopilot with coupled glidepath capability.
• DAn angle-of-attack (AOA) indicator with audio warning.

In the event of a two-way radio communications failure during an IFR flight in IMC, what altitude should the pilot maintain under 14 CFR 91.185(c)(2)?

• AThe highest of: the altitude assigned in the last ATC clearance, the minimum altitude for…
• BThe lowest altitude published along the route segment to maintain continuous terrain clea…
• CThe filed cruising altitude continuously until reaching the destination initial approach…
• DDescend immediately to the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA) of the nearest suitable airport.

Under 14 CFR 91.185(c)(1), in what order of priority must a pilot select the route to fly in the event of two-way radio communications failure while operating under IFR in IMC?

• AAssigned route, Vectored route, Expected route, Filed route (AVE F).
• BFiled route, Expected route, Vectored route, Assigned route (FEVA).
• CDirect route to alternate, Assigned route, Vectored route, Expected route.
• DVectored route, Assigned route, Filed route, Expected route.

A pilot experiences two-way radio failure in IMC while flying to a clearance limit fix from which an instrument approach begins. An Expect Further Clearance (EFC) time was issued as 1615Z. What action should the pilot take upon reaching the fix?

• AHold at the fix until 1615Z, then commence descent and approach as close as possible to 1…
• BBegin the instrument approach immediately upon arrival at the fix, regardless of EFC time.
• CDivert immediately to the designated alternate airport without holding.
• DClimb 2,000 feet above MEA and hold until visual contact with the ground is established.

Under 14 CFR 91.213(d), if an aircraft does NOT have an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL), how may an inoperative instrument or piece of equipment be handled for a legal Part 91 IFR flight?

• AIt must be determined not required by 91.205 or ADs, and be deactivated or removed, and p…
• BIt can be ignored if the pilot determines visually that the flight can be conducted safel…
• CIt requires a special flight permit from the FAA FSDO for every flight until repaired.
• DIt must be repaired by an A&P mechanic prior to engine startup regardless of system redun…

Where are Mode C transponder and ADS-B Out equipment required when operating an aircraft in US airspace under 14 CFR 91.215 and 91.225?

• AIn Class A, B, and C airspace, within 30 NM of Class B primary airports (Mode C Veil), an…
• BOnly when flying strictly above 18,000 feet MSL in Class A airspace under IFR flight plan…
• CIn all controlled airspace whenever operating under Instrument Flight Rules at night.
• DExclusively inside Class B airspace terminals and within 10 NM of control towers.

What minimum certification level must a safety pilot hold under 14 CFR 91.109 to act as visual lookout for a pilot conducting simulated instrument flight in a single-engine land aircraft?

• AAt least a Private Pilot Certificate with single-engine land category and class ratings.
• BA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating.
• CA Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) rating.
• DAn Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate with high-altitude endorsements.

According to 14 CFR 61.51(g), what information must be included in a pilot's logbook entry to document instrument flight time for currency or certificate requirements?

• ALocation and type of each instrument approach accomplished, and the name of the safety pi…
• BHobbs meter start/stop time, fuel burned, and ATC controller call sign.
• COutside air temperature, barometric pressure at destination, and runway length.
• DVOR ground station identifier, VOT calibration date, and CFI certificate expiration date.

A foreign pilot converts their Transport Canada Instrument Rating to an FAA Instrument Rating under 14 CFR 61.71 BASA IPL rules. What operational limitation applies to the resulting FAA rating if the pilot holds an FAA Private Pilot Certificate issued on the basis of foreign license (61.75)?

• AThe FAA Instrument Rating grants private pilot IFR privileges only, and remains valid onl…
• BThe rating permits commercial IFR flight for compensation or hire anywhere in the US NAS…
• CThe pilot may act as PIC under IFR in US airspace for 60 days before needing an FAA check…
• DThe rating is restricted to VFR-on-Top operations only and prohibits IMC single-pilot fli…

What are the legal takeoff weather minimums for a single-engine civil aircraft operating under 14 CFR Part 91 (general aviation / non-commercial) from an airport with published instrument approaches?

• AThere are no regulatory takeoff weather minimums for Part 91 operations (zero-zero is leg…
• B1 statute mile visibility and a 400-foot ceiling.
• C1/2 statute mile visibility or RVR 2400 ft.
• DStandard Category I ILS landing minimums (200 ft ceiling and 1/2 SM visibility).

When flying an IFR flight plan in non-radar contact, which elements are required in a standard ATC position report under 14 CFR 91.183 and AIM guidance?

• AIdentification, Position, Time, Altitude, Type of flight plan, ETA and name of next repor…
• BAircraft call sign, Altimeter setting, Groundspeed, Fuel remaining in hours, and Outside…
• CIdentification, Transponder code, Tachometer time, Runway in use, and Wind vector.
• DPosition, Departure airport, Arrival airport, True airspeed, and Density altitude.

Which event MUST be reported to ATC immediately at all times, regardless of whether the aircraft is in radar contact?

• AAny unforecast weather conditions encountered or loss of navigation/communications capabi…
• BA change in groundspeed of more than 5 knots.
• CCrossing any intermediate waypoints along a published Victor airway.
• DSelecting an alternate engine power setting during cruise climb.

Under 14 CFR 91.21, which portable electronic device is specifically PERMITTED to be operated on board an aircraft flying under IFR?

• APortable voice recorders and heart pacemakers.
• BCellular phones operating on standard cellular networks without airplane mode.
• CHigh-power FM broadcast transmitters.
• DUncertified handheld VHF ground-to-air transceivers in continuous transmit mode.

Under 14 CFR 91.121, what altimeter setting must a pilot set when climbing through 18,000 feet MSL into Class A airspace?

• A29.92 inHg (1013.2 hPa).
• BThe current local altimeter setting reported by the nearest ATC facility.
• CField elevation barometric pressure.
• DThe forecast altimeter setting at destination.

To conduct Special VFR (SVFR) operations at night within Class B, C, D, or E surface areas under 14 CFR 91.157, what specific requirement must be met by the pilot and aircraft?

• AThe pilot must hold an Instrument Rating and the aircraft must be equipped for IFR flight…
• BThe pilot must hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate and have logged 50 hours of night flig…
• CThe aircraft must be equipped with synthetic vision technology and night-vision goggles.
• DThe ground visibility reported at the airport must be at least 3 statute miles.

When logging an instrument approach for 14 CFR 61.57 recency, under what condition can an approach flown in an aircraft or flight simulator be legally counted?

• AThe approach must be conducted in actual or simulated IMC down to published MDA/DA minimu…
• BThe approach must end in a full-stop touch-and-go landing in night conditions.
• CThe pilot must receive radar vectors from ATC for the entire initial approach segment.
• DThe flight visibility during the approach must be less than 1/4 statute mile.

What are the vertical dimensions of Class A airspace in the contiguous United States?

• AFrom 18,000 feet MSL up to and including Flight Level 600 (FL600).
• BFrom 14,500 feet MSL up to 18,000 feet MSL.
• CFrom 10,000 feet MSL up to FL450.
• DFrom the surface up to 18,000 feet MSL across coastal waters.

What ATC authorization is required prior to operating an aircraft under IFR inside Class B airspace?

• AAn explicit ATC clearance stating 'Cleared into Class B airspace' (or an IFR clearance ro…
• BEstablishing two-way radio comms by hearing the controller state your aircraft tail numbe…
• CFiling a VFR flight plan with Flight Service 15 minutes prior to entry.
• DA verbal briefing from the airport tower controller during initial taxi.

What condition satisfies the legal requirement for entering Class C airspace under IFR or VFR?

• ATwo-way radio communication must be established with the ATC facility having jurisdiction…
• BAn explicit statement from ATC saying 'Cleared into Class C airspace'.
• CVisual contact with the primary airport runway environment.
• DFiling an ICAO flight plan at least 1 hour prior to engine start.

What is the standard lateral radius and vertical limit of Class D airspace surrounding a primary airport, unless otherwise published?

• A4 nautical miles radius from the airport reference point, extending from surface to 2,500…
• B10 nautical miles radius, extending from surface to 4,000 feet MSL.
• C30 nautical miles radius (Mode C veil), extending from surface to 10,000 feet MSL.
• D5 nautical miles radius, extending from 1,200 feet AGL to 7,000 feet MSL.

How far in advance of estimated off-block time (EOBT) should an IFR flight plan be filed with FAA Flight Service or ATC under standard AIM guidelines?

• AAt least 30 minutes prior to estimated departure time (or 4 hours for high-altitude/FET r…
• BExactly 10 minutes prior to engine start.
• CAt least 24 hours in advance via postal submission.
• DNo advance filing is required; IFR clearances are always requested on the runway.

What memory acronym represents the standard sequence of elements in an ATC IFR clearance?

• ACRAFT (Clearance Limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency, Transponder code).
• BGRABCARD (Generator, Radios, Altimeter, Ball, Clock, Attitude, Rate of turn, Directional…
• CMARCH (Mode C, Altimeter, Route, Clearance, Heading).
• DPARE (Power, Ailerons, Rudder, Elevator).

If an ATC departure clearance issued at a non-towered airport includes a 'Clearance Void Time' of 1430Z, what must the pilot do if unable to get airborne prior to 1430Z?

• AAdvise ATC as soon as possible, and no later than 30 minutes after the void time, of thei…
• BDepart VFR immediately and request an airborne IFR pickup above 5,000 feet MSL.
• CProceed with takeoff up to 15 minutes late without notifying ATC.
• DFile a formal NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) report within 24 hours.

An aircraft is tracking an airway segment of 85 nautical miles at a constant groundspeed of 140 knots. What is the Estimated Time Enroute (ETE) for this segment?

• A36 minutes 26 seconds (0.607 hours)
• B48 minutes 10 seconds (0.803 hours)
• C28 minutes 15 seconds (0.471 hours)
• D42 minutes 30 seconds (0.708 hours)

What is Tower En Route Control (TEC) service in the US National Airspace System?

• AAn IFR routing service between adjacent approach control areas below 10,000 feet MSL, all…
• BA special tower service providing VFR flight following within Class B airspace.
• CA high-altitude radar vectoring system reserved for commercial turbojets above FL240.
• DAn emergency radio relay procedure between tower controllers and military aircraft.

Where can a pilot find published Preferred IFR Routes for major city pairs in the United States?

• AIn the FAA Chart Supplement US (formerly Airport/Facility Directory).
• BOn the reverse side of Sectional Aeronautical Charts.
• CIn the FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge Appendix A.
• DIn the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 2 manual.

Unless otherwise specified on a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) chart or Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP), what is the standard minimum climb gradient required for IFR departures?

• A200 feet per nautical mile.
• B150 feet per nautical mile.
• C300 feet per nautical mile.
• D500 feet per nautical mile.

A SID chart specifies a non-standard climb gradient of 320 feet per nautical mile up to 6,000 feet MSL. If your aircraft groundspeed during departure climb is 150 knots, what minimum Rate of Climb (in feet per minute) must be maintained?

• A800 feet per minute
• B640 feet per minute
• C960 feet per minute
• D750 feet per minute

What is the fundamental difference between an Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) and a Standard Instrument Departure (SID)?

• AODPs focus solely on obstacle clearance and may be flown without ATC clearance (unless a…
• BODPs are designed for high-speed jet aircraft; SIDs are designed for light piston single-…
• CODPs require visual meteorological conditions (VMC); SIDs are only flown in IMC.
• DODPs are published in graphic format only; SIDs are published strictly in textual format.

Within what altitude range does Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) apply in US domestic airspace, and what separation does it provide between equipped aircraft?

• AFL290 through FL410 inclusive; provides 1,000 feet vertical separation.
• BFL180 through FL290; provides 500 feet vertical separation.
• CFL410 through FL600; provides 2,000 feet vertical separation.
• D10,000 feet MSL up to FL180; provides 1,000 feet vertical separation.

When ATC issues a holding clearance containing an Expect Further Clearance (EFC) time, what critical purpose does the EFC time serve?

• AIt establishes the time at which the pilot should vacate the holding pattern and commence…
• BIt indicates the exact moment fuel reserves will drop below 45 minutes.
• CIt defines when the pilot must switch from VOR navigation to GPS dead reckoning.
• DIt marks the mandatory time for declaring a fuel emergency to tower.

What is a Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA), and how is it used by ATC controllers?

• AThe lowest altitude at which IFR aircraft will be vector radar guided by ATC, providing 1…
• BThe lowest altitude published on public IFR terminal charts for pilot self-navigation.
• CThe minimum speed at which radar vectoring can be maintained without stalling.
• DThe maximum altitude controllers can vector VFR aircraft without an explicit flight plan.

What rule governs IFR operations conducted in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace in the US NAS?

• AATC clearances are not issued for Class G airspace, but pilots must comply with 14 CFR 91…
• BIFR flight is strictly illegal in Class G airspace under any weather conditions.
• CPilots must remain in continuous two-way radio contact with Flight Service on 122.2 MHz.
• DClass G airspace requires explicit Class B clearance procedures if within 50 NM of a coas…

What is the primary operational difference between a Visual Approach and a Contact Approach in IFR flight planning?

• AA Visual Approach can be initiated by ATC (requires 1,000 ft ceiling and 3 SM visibility)…
• BA Visual Approach requires 5 SM visibility; a Contact Approach requires full IMC instrume…
• CA Contact Approach can be assigned by ATC at any time; a Visual Approach requires pilot w…
• DA Visual Approach cancels the IFR flight plan immediately; a Contact Approach converts th…