PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free FAA IFB Knowledge Test — Instrument Rating Foreign Pilot via BASA (61.71) Practice Questions

Prepare for the FAA Instrument Rating Foreign Pilot via BASA (14 CFR 61.71) Knowledge Test (IFB) exam with instant access — no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More FAA Airman and Aviation Certificates

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideCheat SheetFlashcardsCourse Playlist3 videos5 blogs

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P)

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideCheat SheetFlashcards2 videos2 blogs

FAA Sport Pilot Certificate

Practice QuestionsStudy Guide1 blog

CFI Flight Instructor

Practice Questions1 video5 blogs

Instrument Rating

Practice Questions2 videos5 blogs

ATP Pilot

Practice Questions1 video5 blogs

More From This Family

Videos and articles for deeper review.

VideoBest E6B Flight Computers for the Instrument Rating Exam 2026: Electronic & Manual Models ComparedVideoBest Pilot Kneeboards for Flight Training: Complete 2026 Buying GuideVideoFAA A&P Mechanic Salary & Career Outlook 2026: Is It Worth It?VideoFAA Part 107 Renewal 2026: Free Recurrent Training GuideArticleFAA Part 107 Study Guide: Pass First Try (2026)20 min readArticleFAA Part 107 Renewal 2026: Free Recurrent Training Guide11 min readArticleFAA Part 107 Testing Center & Exam-Day Checklist (2026)14 min readArticleFAA A&P Mechanic Salary & Career Outlook 2026: Is It Worth It?16 min read
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: FAA IFB Knowledge Test — Instrument Rating Foreign Pilot via BASA (61.71) Exam

IFB

Exam Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

40 Questions

Official Question Count

FAA Testing Matrix

120 Minutes

Time Limit

PSI Services FAA Testing

70%

Passing Score

14 CFR Part 61

Prepare for the FAA IFB Knowledge Test with 100 practice questions covering 14 CFR Part 61/91 IFR rules, BASA 61.71 requirements, US airspace, FAA approach charts, and weather products. Passing score is 70% on the 40-question PSI exam.

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

Try these sample questions to test your FAA IFB Knowledge Test — Instrument Rating Foreign Pilot via BASA (61.71) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which 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)?
A.Hold an unrestricted foreign pilot license with an instrument rating from a BASA country, hold an FAA Foreign License Verification Letter, pass the FAA IFB Knowledge Test, and demonstrate English language proficiency.
B.Complete 40 hours of dual instrument flight instruction in US airspace, pass the FAA Instrument Rating Practical Test (checkride), and hold a US Class 1 medical certificate.
C.Hold any valid foreign private pilot license, complete a 10-hour FAA ground school course, and pass a solo cross-country flight evaluation.
D.Surrender the foreign pilot certificate to the FAA, complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) with a DPE, and pass the FAA PAR Knowledge Test.
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 61.71 and the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) Implementation Procedures for Licensing (IPL), foreign pilots holding an instrument rating issued by an agreement country (such as Canada) must obtain an FAA Foreign License Verification Letter, pass the specialized FAA IFB Knowledge Test, and demonstrate English language proficiency. A practical checkride flight test is waived under the BASA IPL provisions.
2To 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)?
A.6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigation electronic systems.
B.3 instrument approaches, 3 hours of simulated instrument time, and 1 night cross-country flight of at least 100 NM.
C.10 instrument approaches in actual IMC and an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) administered by a Certified Flight Instructor.
D.6 hours of instrument flight time including 3 landings to a full stop under IMC conditions.
Explanation: 14 CFR 61.57(c) requires that within the preceding 6 calendar months, the pilot must have performed and logged in actual or simulated instrument conditions: at least 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigation electronic systems (commonly remembered as '6-6-HIT').
3A 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?
A.Pass an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) administered by an authorized flight instructor, DPE, or FAA inspector.
B.Log 6 instrument approaches in VFR conditions with any private pilot acting as a visual lookout.
C.Retake the FAA Instrument Rating Knowledge Test (IFB or IRA) at an official PSI testing center.
D.Complete 10 hours of dual instrument instruction with a CFII and submit a logbook endorsement to the FAA.
Explanation: If a pilot does not maintain instrument recency during the initial 6 calendar months or during the subsequent 6-month grace period (totaling 12 calendar months without currency), instrument privileges may only be restored by successfully passing an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) under 14 CFR 61.57(d).
4Under 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?
A.52.5 gallons
B.42.0 gallons
C.45.5 gallons
D.63.0 gallons
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 91.167, IFR fuel requirements specify enough fuel to fly to the first airport of intended landing (135 min), fly from that airport to the alternate airport (45 min), and fly thereafter for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed. Total required endurance = 135 + 45 + 45 = 225 minutes = 3.75 hours. At 14 GPH: 3.75 hours * 14 GPH = 52.5 gallons.
5According 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?
A.When weather forecasts indicate that for at least 1 hour before to 1 hour after estimated time of arrival (ETA), the ceiling will be at least 2,000 feet above airport elevation and visibility will be at least 3 statute miles.
B.When weather forecasts indicate that from 2 hours before to 2 hours after ETA, the ceiling will be at least 1,500 feet and visibility will be at least 2 statute miles.
C.Whenever the destination airport has at least two precision ILS approaches facing opposite directions.
D.When the aircraft is carrying enough fuel for 2 hours of reserve flight beyond the destination.
Explanation: 14 CFR 91.169(b) states that an alternate airport is not required if, for at least 1 hour before to 1 hour after the estimated time of arrival (the '1-2-3 rule'), weather reports or forecasts indicate the ceiling will be at least 2,000 feet AGL and visibility will be at least 3 statute miles.
6If 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?
A.Precision approach: Ceiling 600 feet and visibility 2 SM; Non-precision approach: Ceiling 800 feet and visibility 2 SM.
B.Precision approach: Ceiling 800 feet and visibility 2 SM; Non-precision approach: Ceiling 600 feet and visibility 1 SM.
C.Precision approach: Ceiling 500 feet and visibility 1 SM; Non-precision approach: Ceiling 1,000 feet and visibility 3 SM.
D.Precision approach: Ceiling 200 feet and visibility 1/2 SM; Non-precision approach: Ceiling 400 feet and visibility 1 SM.
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 91.169(c), unless non-standard alternate minimums are published for the airport (indicated by an 'A' symbol on approach charts), standard IFR alternate weather minimums at ETA are: Precision approach — 600 ft ceiling and 2 SM visibility; Non-precision approach — 800 ft ceiling and 2 SM visibility.
7Under 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?
A.100 feet above touchdown zone elevation, unless the red terminating bars or red side row bars are also distinctly visible.
B.200 feet above touchdown zone elevation under all conditions.
C.50 feet above touchdown zone elevation, provided the flight visibility equals published minimums.
D.Ground level (touchdown), provided the decision altitude was reached on a continuous 3-degree glidepath.
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 91.175(c)(3)(i), the approach light system allows descent down to 100 feet above touchdown zone elevation (TDZE). The pilot may not descend below 100 feet TDZE unless the red terminating bars or red side row bars are also distinctly visible and identifiable.
8Which 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?
A.The runway threshold, threshold markings, or threshold lights.
B.The airport rotating beacon.
C.The taxiway centerline lights of the primary departure taxiway.
D.The hazard identification lights on nearby obstacle towers.
Explanation: 14 CFR 91.175(c)(3) lists ten approved visual references to descend below MDA/DA to land, including: the threshold, threshold markings, threshold lights, REIL, VASI/PAPI, touchdown zone / markings / lights, and runway / runway markings / runway lights.
9Under 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?
A.2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 nautical miles from the course to be flown.
B.1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 5 nautical miles from the course to be flown.
C.1,500 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 2 nautical miles from the course to be flown.
D.2,500 feet above ground level along the entire centerline of the airway.
Explanation: 14 CFR 91.177(a)(2)(i) states that in designated mountainous areas, the minimum IFR altitude is 2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 nautical miles from the course to be flown. (In non-mountainous areas, it is 1,000 feet within 4 NM).
10What protection and operational assurance does a Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA) guarantee on an IFR enroute chart?
A.Obstacle clearance along the entire route segment, and VOR navigation signal coverage within 22 nautical miles of a VOR.
B.Continuous VOR navigation signal coverage and two-way ATC radio communications along the entire airway length.
C.Obstacle clearance and radar contact along the route, but no navigation signal coverage.
D.Obstacle clearance within 10 NM of the airway centerline and guaranteed ILS signal reception.
Explanation: A MOCA (denoted with an asterisk on FAA enroute low altitude charts) provides prescribed obstacle clearance along the entire route segment, but only guarantees VOR navigation signal reception within 22 nautical miles of the VOR NAVAID.

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

The FAA IFB Knowledge Test evaluates foreign pilot certificate holders seeking an FAA Instrument Rating under a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) pursuant to 14 CFR 61.71. It tests knowledge of US National Airspace System (NAS) rules, 14 CFR Part 91 IFR regulations, FAA chart symbology, instrument approach procedures, ATC flight planning, and US weather services.

Assessment

40 multiple-choice questions administered via PSI computer testing centers. Time limit is 2 hours (120 minutes). Passing score is 70%.

Time Limit

2 hours (120 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

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

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

30%

14 CFR Part 61 / Part 91 IFR Rules & BASA 61.71 Conversion

BASA conversion procedures, instrument recency (61.57), fuel requirements (91.167), alternate airport minimums (91.169), descent below MDA/DA (91.175), IFR equipment (91.205), VOR checks (91.171), and radio failure (91.185).

25%

US Airspace System & ATC Flight Planning

Airspace classes A through G, ATC clearances (CRAFT), ICAO flight plan filing, preferred routes, SIDs/ODPs, holding procedures, and lost communication rules.

25%

Instrument Approach Procedures & FAA Chart Reading

FAA TPP charts, ILS/RNAV/VOR approaches, MDA vs DA, holding entry sectors, missed approach execution, RVR visibility conversions, and descent rate calculations.

20%

US Weather Products & Aviation Hazards

METAR/TAF decoding, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, Convective SIGMETs, structural/induction icing, altimeter setting errors, wind shear, and IFR fuel endurance calculations.

How to Pass the FAA IFB Knowledge Test — Instrument Rating Foreign Pilot via BASA (61.71) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 40 multiple-choice questions administered via PSI computer testing centers. Time limit is 2 hours (120 minutes). Passing score is 70%.
  • Time limit: 2 hours (120 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 IFB Knowledge Test — Instrument Rating Foreign Pilot via BASA (61.71) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus heavily on 14 CFR 91.167 (fuel requirements), 91.169 (alternate minimums), and 91.175 (visual references for descent below DA/MDA).
2Practice holding pattern entry rules (Direct, Teardrop, Parallel) using aircraft heading and holding radial inbound track.
3Master glidepath rate of descent calculations using the formula: Groundspeed (knots) x 5 = Rate of Descent (feet per minute) for a standard 3-degree glidepath.
4Review US weather products like Convective SIGMETs (issued for severe thunderstorms, hail >= 3/4 in, wind >= 50 kt) and AIRMET categories (Sierra, Tango, Zulu).
5Memorize 14 CFR 91.185 two-way radio failure procedures for altitude selection (highest of Assigned, Expected, Minimum) and route selection (AVE F).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA IFB exam?

The IFB (Instrument Rating Foreign Pilot - BASA) exam is the FAA computer-based knowledge test required for eligible foreign pilots converting an instrument rating from a country with a Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) under 14 CFR 61.71.

How many questions are on the official FAA IFB exam?

The official FAA IFB exam contains 40 multiple-choice questions. Test takers are given 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete it, and a score of 70% or higher is required to pass.

What prerequisites are needed before taking the IFB exam?

Candidates must hold an unrestricted foreign pilot license with an instrument rating issued by an agreement country (such as Canada under the US-Canada BASA IPL), possess an FAA Foreign License Verification Letter, and demonstrate English language proficiency.

Is a practical flight test (checkride) required after passing the IFB exam?

Under 14 CFR 61.71 BASA provisions, passing the IFB exam, satisfying administrative requirements, and completing document verification allows the issuance of the FAA Instrument Rating without a practical flight test.

Does the FAA publish topic weightings for the IFB 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.