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100+ Free FAA AIF Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Added Rating Practice Questions

Prepare for the FAA Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Added Rating Knowledge Test (Test Code: AIF) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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Key Facts: FAA AIF Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Added Rating Exam

AIF

Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

20 Questions

Official Question Count

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

1 Hour (60 Min)

Time Limit

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

70%

Passing Score

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

Prepare for the FAA AIF Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane (Added Rating) Knowledge Test with 100 practice questions covering Part 61/91 IFR instruction regulations, AC 61-65H endorsements, scan teaching methodology, holding wind corrections, WAAS/GPS, and ILS glidepath calculations. Test consists of 20 questions with a 1-hour time limit and 70% passing threshold.

Sample FAA AIF Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Added Rating Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA AIF Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Added Rating exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 14 CFR §61.195, what is the minimum flight instructor rating required to log dual instrument flight instruction given to an applicant for an Instrument Rating — Airplane?
A.Flight Instructor Instrument — Airplane (CFII)
B.Flight Instructor Airplane Single-Engine (CFI) without an instrument rating
C.Ground Instructor Instrument (IGI) conducting flight instruction in an airplane
D.Commercial Pilot with Instrument Rating operating as a safety pilot
Explanation: Under 14 CFR §61.195(e), a flight instructor must hold an instrument rating on their flight instructor certificate that is appropriate to the category and class of aircraft used to give instrument flight training. For an Instrument Rating — Airplane candidate, the instructor must hold a Flight Instructor Instrument — Airplane (CFII) rating.
2Under 14 CFR §61.65(d)(2), how many total hours of instrument flight training must an applicant for an Instrument Rating — Airplane receive from an authorized instructor holding an instrument rating on their flight instructor certificate?
A.10 hours
B.15 hours
C.20 hours
D.40 hours
Explanation: 14 CFR §61.65(d)(2) specifies that an applicant for an Instrument Rating — Airplane must log at least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, of which at least 15 hours must be instrument flight training received from an authorized instructor holding an Instrument — Airplane rating.
3Under 14 CFR §61.65(d)(1), what is the minimum cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command (PIC) required for an applicant seeking an Instrument Rating — Airplane?
A.25 hours
B.40 hours
C.50 hours
D.100 hours
Explanation: 14 CFR §61.65(d)(1) mandates that an applicant for an Instrument Rating — Airplane must log at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command, of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.
4An instrument student presents their FAA Airman Knowledge Test report showing a passing score of 82%. Under AC 61-65H and 14 CFR §61.39(a)(6), what specific logbook endorsement must a CFII provide before recommending the student for the practical test?
A.An endorsement certifying that the instructor has reviewed all deficient knowledge areas on the test report and found the student competent in those subjects
B.An endorsement re-authorizing the student to retake the knowledge test within 60 days
C.An endorsement waiving the requirement for a practical test recommendation endorsement
D.An endorsement stating the student scored above 80% and is exempt from oral questioning during the practical test
Explanation: Under 14 CFR §61.39(a)(6) and AC 61-65H (Endorsement A.33), the flight instructor must review all incorrect test subject code areas listed on the knowledge test report with the student and certify in the student's logbook that the student has been given instruction in those deficient areas.
5Under 14 CFR §61.57(c), what are the minimum recency of experience requirements within the preceding 6 calendar months for a pilot to act as PIC under IFR without completing an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)?
A.3 instrument approaches, 1 holding pattern, and 1 steep turn
B.6 instrument approaches and 3 hours of dual instrument flight time
C.10 instrument approaches in actual IMC including an ILS and VOR approach
D.6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and interception and tracking of courses through the use of navigational electronic systems
Explanation: 14 CFR §61.57(c) establishes the '6 HITS' requirement: within the preceding 6 calendar months, the pilot must log at least 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and interception and tracking of courses using navigational electronic systems.
6If a pilot fails to maintain instrument recency during the initial 6 calendar months under 14 CFR §61.57(c), what is the duration of the subsequent grace period during which currency may still be re-established by flying with a safety pilot?
A.3 calendar months
B.6 calendar months
C.12 calendar months
D.24 calendar months
Explanation: Under 14 CFR §61.57(c), a pilot has a 6-month grace period immediately following the expiration of the initial 6 calendar months (months 7 through 12). During this grace period, the pilot may restore instrument currency by logging the missing 6 HITS items with a qualified safety pilot or instructor.
7Under 14 CFR §91.109(c), what minimum pilot certificate and ratings must a safety pilot hold when accompanying a pilot conducting simulated instrument flight in VMC?
A.Flight Instructor Certificate with Instrument Airplane rating
B.Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Instrument Rating
C.At least a Private Pilot Certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown
D.Sport Pilot Certificate with a cross-country endorsement
Explanation: 14 CFR §91.109(c) mandates that no person may operate an aircraft in simulated instrument flight unless the other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot who holds at least a private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown.
8Under 14 CFR § 61.197, which of the following establishes the recent experience a flight instructor needs in order to exercise instructor privileges?
A.Completing an approved Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) within the preceding 3 calendar months
B.Logging 50 hours of PIC cross-country time within the preceding 12 calendar months
C.Passing an FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test within the preceding 24 calendar months
D.Conducting 10 flight reviews under §61.56 without any student practical test pass record
Explanation: 14 CFR § 61.197(b)(2)(iii) accepts an approved flight instructor refresher course completed within the preceding 3 calendar months as one way to establish recent experience. Since December 1, 2024 the certificate itself no longer expires; § 61.197(a) instead requires one of the listed recent experience routes within the preceding 24 calendar months.
9Under 14 CFR §61.65(h), how many maximum hours of instrument training logged in a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) or Flight Training Device (FTD) may be credited toward the 40-hour instrument time requirement if conducted under Part 141?
A.10 hours
B.14 hours
C.20 hours
D.30 hours
Explanation: Under 14 CFR §61.65(h), if instrument flight training is completed in an approved Part 141 course, a maximum of 30 hours in an FFS or FTD may be credited toward the 40-hour instrument time requirement (under Part 61, the limit for FFS/FTD is 20 hours).
10Under 14 CFR §61.51(g), when is a pilot legally authorized to log instrument flight time?
A.Whenever flying under an IFR flight plan in visual meteorological conditions (VMC)
B.Only for that time the pilot operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions
C.Whenever flying at night above 3,000 feet AGL regardless of visibility
D.Whenever entering IMC for any portion of a flight, allowing the entire flight time to be logged as instrument time
Explanation: 14 CFR §61.51(g)(1) explicitly states that a pilot may log instrument flight time only for that time the pilot operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions.

About the FAA AIF Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Added Rating Exam

The FAA AIF Knowledge Test is the FAA added rating exam for existing certificated flight instructors holding an Airplane category rating (CFI) who wish to add an Instrument Airplane rating (CFII) to their instructor certificate under 14 CFR Part 61. The exam evaluates deep knowledge of IFR flight training rules, logbook endorsements, instrument scanning pedagogy, spatial disorientation prevention, navigation systems, holding entries/wind correction, and instrument approach procedures.

Assessment

20 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering 14 CFR Part 61/91 instrument flight instruction rules, instrument teaching techniques, navigation/holding procedures, and approach pedagogy.

Time Limit

1 hour (60 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$175 (Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) / PSI Services)

FAA AIF Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Added Rating Exam Content Outline

30%

14 CFR Part 61 / 91 IFR Flight Instruction Rules & Endorsements

CFII privileges and limitations under §61.193/195, logbook endorsements under AC 61-65H, aeronautical experience requirements (§61.65), IPC standards, instrument currency (§61.57), safety pilot requirements, and Part 91 IFR rules.

25%

Instrument Flight Teaching Techniques & Spatial Disorientation

Control/performance concept vs primary/supporting concept, scanning errors (fixation, omission, emphasis), teaching pitch/bank/power control, spatial disorientation illusions (vestibular & visual), hypoxia types, and partial panel pedagogy.

25%

Navigation Systems, IFR Charts, WAAS/GPS & Holding

VOR intercept calculations, lead turns, time/distance to station, DME slant range, NDB relative bearings, WAAS/GPS RAIM/LPV, IFR enroute chart altitudes (MEA, MOCA, OROCA), holding entries, speed limits, and outbound wind correction.

20%

IFR Approach Pedagogy, Precision/Non-Precision & Weather

ILS components, glidepath rate of descent numerical calculations, VDP determination, approach category speeds, missed approach criteria, METAR/TAF analysis, severe weather, icing types, and pitot-static system blockages.

How to Pass the FAA AIF Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Added Rating Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 20 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering 14 CFR Part 61/91 instrument flight instruction rules, instrument teaching techniques, navigation/holding procedures, and approach pedagogy.
  • Time limit: 1 hour (60 minutes)
  • Exam fee: $175

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FAA AIF Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Added Rating Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master all required AC 61-65H logbook endorsements for Instrument Rating applicants, including prerequisites, knowledge test, and practical test endorsements.
2Practice numerical calculations for 3-degree ILS glidepath rates of descent ($ROD = GS \times 5$), holding pattern outbound wind correction angles ($WCA_{outbound} = 2 \times WCA_{inbound}$), and Visual Descent Points ($VDP = HAT / 300$).
3Understand instrument scan pedagogy: differentiate primary vs supporting instruments and identify common student errors (fixation, omission, emphasis).
4Know Part 91 lost communications rules (§91.185 - AVE F and MEA) and IFR alternate weather minimums (§91.169 - 600-2 / 800-2).
5Memorize holding pattern entry sectors (Direct, Teardrop, Parallel) based on inbound holding tracks and maximum airspeed limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA AIF Knowledge Test?

The FAA AIF (Test Code: AIF) is the Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Added Rating Knowledge Test. It is required for existing certificated flight instructors (CFI) adding an Instrument Airplane rating (CFII) under 14 CFR Part 61.

How many questions are on the official FAA AIF exam and what is the passing score?

The official exam contains 20 multiple-choice questions with a 1-hour (60 minutes) time limit. The passing score is 70% (at least 14 correct answers out of 20).

Does the AIF exam include Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)?

No. Because candidates taking the AIF exam already hold a Flight Instructor Certificate, they are exempt from taking the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) exam.

Where is the exam taken and how much does it cost?

The test is administered on computer at authorized PSI testing centers. The fee is $175.

Does the FAA publish topic weightings for the AIF knowledge test?

No. The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix publishes the test code, question count, minimum age, allotted time and passing score, but no percentage breakdown by subject. The content outline and percentages shown on this page describe how this free practice bank distributes its questions across the knowledge areas drawn from the applicable FAA testing supplement, Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards, and the FAA handbooks for this test.