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Key Facts: Instrument Rating Exam
75-85%
First-Time Pass Rate
Industry estimate
70%
Passing Score
42/60 questions
40-60 hrs
Ground Study Time
Recommended
$175
Exam Fee
FAA/PSI
40 hrs
Instrument Time Required
FAR 61.65
60
Questions
2.5 hours
The FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) knowledge test has an estimated 75-85% first-time pass rate. It requires 70% (42/60 questions) to pass. The 60-question exam covers IFR regulations, weather theory, aircraft instruments, IFR navigation, approach procedures (precision and non-precision), ATC procedures, and flight planning. The instrument rating requires 50 hours of cross-country PIC time and 40 hours of instrument time. Plan for 40-60 hours of ground study.
About the Instrument Rating Exam
The FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) knowledge test is required for pilots seeking to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR). The exam covers IFR regulations, weather theory, flight instruments, instrument navigation, approach procedures, ATC communications, and flight planning for IFR operations.
Questions
60 scored questions
Time Limit
2.5 hours
Passing Score
70%
Exam Fee
$175 (FAA / PSI)
Instrument Rating Exam Content Outline
IFR Regulations
Part 61 instrument rating requirements, Part 91 IFR rules, equipment requirements (91.205), alternate airport requirements, fuel requirements, currency (6 approaches/6 months)
Weather Theory and Services
Icing conditions, thunderstorms, wind shear, fog formation, METARs, TAFs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, PIREPs, convective outlooks, and weather charts
Aircraft Instruments and Systems
Pitot-static system, gyroscopic instruments, compass errors, instrument markings, glass cockpit displays, GPS, and autopilot systems
IFR Navigation
VOR, ILS, GPS/RNAV navigation, DME arcs, holding patterns (standard and nonstandard), airways, MEA, MOCA, MRA, and OROCA
Instrument Approach Procedures
Precision approaches (ILS, GLS), non-precision approaches (VOR, GPS, NDB), approach minimums (DA vs MDA), missed approach procedures, circling approaches, RNAV approaches
ATC Procedures and Flight Planning
IFR clearances, clearance delivery, departure procedures, en route procedures, holding instructions, lost communications (91.185), IFR flight planning, and fuel calculations
How to Pass the Instrument Rating Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70%
- Exam length: 60 questions
- Time limit: 2.5 hours
- Exam fee: $175
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Instrument Rating Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Instrument Rating knowledge test?
The FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) knowledge test contains 60 multiple-choice questions. You have 2.5 hours to complete the exam and need 70% (42 correct answers) to pass. The exam is administered at PSI testing centers.
What is the Instrument Rating knowledge test pass rate?
The FAA IRA knowledge test has an estimated pass rate of 75-85% for first-time test-takers. The exam tests IFR procedures, weather, navigation, and approach procedures. With thorough ground study and 200+ practice questions, most well-prepared candidates pass on the first attempt.
What are the aeronautical experience requirements for an Instrument Rating?
To earn an instrument rating, you need: 1) 50 hours of cross-country PIC time (minimum 10 hours in airplanes), 2) 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, 3) A 250 NM cross-country flight under IFR with 3 different approaches at 3 airports, 4) An instructor endorsement for the knowledge test and practical test. Training through Part 141 programs may have reduced hour requirements.
How long should I study for the Instrument Rating knowledge test?
Plan for 40-60 hours of dedicated ground study over 4-6 weeks. Focus on IFR regulations, weather theory, instrument approach procedures, and navigation. The FAA Instrument Flying Handbook and Instrument Procedures Handbook are essential study references. Complete at least 200 practice questions and aim for 80%+ consistently before scheduling your exam.
What does the lost communication rule (91.185) require?
If you lose radio communications while IFR, you should: 1) Set transponder to 7600, 2) Continue the route: assigned → vectored → expected → filed, 3) Continue at the altitude: assigned → expected → MEA (whichever is highest), 4) Leave the clearance limit: if you have an approach, begin the approach at the EFC time or the ETA from the filed flight plan (whichever is later). Remember the acronym: AVE-F for route (Assigned, Vectored, Expected, Filed).
What instrument currency is required to fly IFR?
To act as PIC under IFR, you must have performed and logged within the preceding 6 calendar months: 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting/tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems. If currency lapses, you must complete an instrument proficiency check (IPC) with an authorized instructor or examiner.