100+ Free SACAA Instrument Rating Theory Practice Questions

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Sample SACAA Instrument Rating Theory Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SACAA Instrument Rating Theory exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under South African Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR Part 61), what is the standard validity period of an Instrument Rating endorsement?

A.12 months

B.24 months

C.36 months

D.60 months

Explanation: Under SA CAR Part 61, an Instrument Rating is valid for 12 months from the date of issue or last revalidation test. To maintain privileges, the pilot must undergo a practical revalidation test with a Designated Flight Examiner (DFE) annually.

2According to SA CAR 91.04.5, which of the following instrument combinations is mandatory for an aeroplane operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)?

A.Two sensitive pressure altimeters, a heated pitot system, a slip/skid indicator, and an attitude indicator

B.A single sensitive altimeter, a GPS receiver, and a magnetic compass

C.Two airspeed indicators, a radio altimeter, and a weather radar

D.An attitude indicator, a vertical speed indicator, and an automatic pilot system

Explanation: CAR 91.04.5 specifies minimum flight and navigation instruments for IFR flights, including two sensitive pressure altimeters (adjustable for barometric pressure), a heated pitot probe with warning light, a turn and slip/skid indicator, and an attitude indicator.

3When conducting simulated instrument flight in VMC with a view-limiting device, what is required regarding the safety pilot under CAR 91.04.2?

A.The safety pilot must occupy a control seat, hold at least a valid PPL, and have adequate vision forward and to each side of the aircraft

B.The safety pilot must be a rated Grade II flight instructor

C.The safety pilot must hold a valid Instrument Rating endorsement

D.The safety pilot may sit in the rear cabin provided an intercom system is installed

Explanation: Under CAR 91.04.2, simulated instrument flight in VMC requires a qualified safety pilot occupying a control seat with dual controls, possessing adequate visual visibility outside the aircraft to maintain a look-out for other traffic.

4To act as pilot-in-command of an aeroplane carrying passengers under IFR without a recent revalidation test, what instrument currency must be logged under CAR Part 61?

A.At least 6 hours of instrument flight time including 6 instrument approach procedures within the preceding 6 months

B.At least 3 hours of instrument flight time within the preceding 90 days

C.At least 10 instrument approaches in night VMC within the preceding 12 months

D.At least 5 hours of dual instruction in an approved FSTD within the preceding 30 days

Explanation: CAR Part 61 requires that to exercise IFR PIC privileges without an annual revalidation, the pilot must have logged at least 6 hours of instrument time (including actual or simulated instrument time) and 6 instrument approaches within the preceding 6 calendar months.

5How long prior to Estimated Off-Block Time (EOBT) should an IFR flight plan be submitted to Air Traffic Services in South Africa?

A.At least 30 minutes before EOBT (or 60 minutes for flights subject to air traffic flow management)

B.At least 15 minutes before engine start

C.At least 2 hours before EOBT for all domestic flights

D.At least 10 minutes before taxying

Explanation: Standard ICAO and South African ATS procedures specify submitting an IFR flight plan at least 30 minutes before EOBT, or at least 60 minutes beforehand if the route involves Flow Management or international boundaries.

6Under SA CAR Part 91, supplemental oxygen must be continuously used by flight crew members during unpressurised IFR flight at cabin pressure altitudes above:

A.10,000 ft for any period exceeding 30 minutes, and at all times above 12,000 ft

B.8,000 ft for any period exceeding 15 minutes

C.14,000 ft at all times, with no requirement below 14,000 ft

D.12,000 ft for any period exceeding 1 hour

Explanation: CAR 91.04.14 mandates that flight crew in unpressurised aircraft must use supplemental oxygen for any portion of flight between 10,000 ft and 12,000 ft pressure altitude exceeding 30 minutes, and continuously for the entire duration above 12,000 ft.

7What pre-flight check must be performed on the pitot heating system prior to entering Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)?

A.Verify system operation by observing ammeter current draw or tactile heat check on the probe during pre-flight inspection

B.Turn on pitot heat only after entering visible moisture in flight

C.Check that pitot static drain valves are opened while heating is selected on

D.Test pitot heat for 10 minutes continuously on the ground to calibrate the warning light

Explanation: Before entering IMC, the pilot must confirm pitot heat functionality during exterior/pre-flight inspection via ammeter indication or carefully checking heat at the probe surface to prevent structural ice blockage.

8What condition defines Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) in controlled airspace below FL100?

A.Visibility less than 5 km, or vertical distance from cloud less than 1,000 ft, or horizontal distance from cloud less than 1.5 km

B.Visibility less than 8 km and cloud ceiling lower than 2,000 ft AGL

C.Visibility less than 3 km and clear of cloud

D.Visibility less than 1.5 km regardless of cloud distance

Explanation: In controlled airspace below FL100 (10,000 ft AMSL), standard VMC minima require 5 km flight visibility, 1,000 ft vertical clearance from cloud, and 1.5 km horizontal distance. Any weather below these parameters constitutes IMC.

9Which requirement applies to an IFR aircraft operating 'VFR-on-Top' under an ATC clearance?

A.The pilot must comply with VFR cruising altitudes, VFR cloud clearance minima, and maintain vigilance while remaining on an IFR clearance

B.The flight plan automatically converts to a visual flight plan and cancel IFR status

C.The pilot is exempted from maintaining standard instrument cruising levels and radio watch

D.The clearance can only be granted in Class A airspace during daytime hours

Explanation: A VFR-on-Top clearance permits an IFR aircraft to operate in VMC at VFR cruising altitudes while remaining on an active IFR flight plan, receiving ATC separation service where applicable, and maintaining VFR cloud clearances.

10Under SA CAR Part 135 (Air Transport Operations - Small Aircraft), which equipment is mandatory for commercial single-engine IFR passenger operations?

A.Dual electrical power generation sources, dual artificial horizons driven by independent power supplies, and an auto-ignition/engine anti-ice system

B.A single generator and a vacuum pump with an emergency hand crank

C.A weather radar system and dual inertial reference systems (IRS)

D.ACAS II / TCAS II Mode S transponder system

Explanation: CAR Part 135 requires commercial single-engine IFR passenger flights to feature dual redundant electrical generation, independent attitude indicators with separate power sources (e.g., electrical + vacuum or backup battery), and engine ice protection.

About the SACAA Instrument Rating Theory Exam

The SACAA Instrument Rating Theory examination tests pilots on instrument flight rules (IFR), airspace procedures, ICAO Doc 8168 PANS-OPS criteria, holding pattern entries and wind corrections, instrument approach design and minima (DA/DH, MDA/MDH), loss of radio communication procedures (CAR 91.06.35), IFR equipment requirements (CAR Part 91/135), alternate aerodrome selection rules, and practical flight planning calculations.

Questions

40 scored questions

Time Limit

120 minutes

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

R450 per subject sitting under SACAA Part 187 user fees (South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA))

SACAA Instrument Rating Theory Exam Content Outline

15%

IFR Legislation & CAR/CATS Compliance

South African CAR Parts 61, 91, and 135 requirements for IFR flight, instrument flight currency, required instruments/avionics, and pilot qualifications.

20%

ICAO Doc 8168 PANS-OPS & Departure Design

Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), Procedure Design Gradients (PDG), obstacle clearance surfaces, omnidirectional departures, and minimum en-route altitudes (MEA, MOCA, MSA).

20%

Holding Patterns & Entry Sector Geometry

Standard and non-standard holding pattern construction, entry sector determination (Sector 1 Teardrop, Sector 2 Parallel, Sector 3 Direct), outbound timing, max holding speeds, and wind drift corrections.

20%

Instrument Approach Procedures & Minima

Precision (ILS/GLS) and Non-Precision (VOR, NDB, LNAV) approach segments, APV (LNAV/VNAV, LPV), DA/DH, MDA/MDH, RVR operational minima, visual reference requirements, and missed approach design.

15%

IFR Flight Planning & Alternate Selection

Semi-circular cruising level rules, take-off and destination alternate aerodrome selection rules, weather buffer requirements, and Part 91/135 fuel reserve standards.

10%

Radio Communications Loss & Avionics Systems

CAR 91.06.35 two-way radio failure procedures, Squawk 7600 protocol, pitot-static and gyroscopic flight instruments, HSI/RMI interpretation, and DME arc navigation.

How to Pass the SACAA Instrument Rating Theory Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75%
Exam length: 40 questions
Time limit: 120 minutes
Exam fee: R450 per subject sitting under SACAA Part 187 user fees

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SACAA Instrument Rating Theory Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the 70° / 110° sector boundary diagrams for standard (right turn) and non-standard (left turn) holding entries.

2Memorise formula for rate of descent on 3° glidepath: Groundspeed × 5 = ROD (fpm), and departure climb gradient: GS × Gradient% = ROC (fpm).

3Understand the difference between Decision Altitude (DA - barometric baro-VNAV / ILS) and Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA - non-precision step-down).

4Know South African CAR 91.07 alternate aerodrome weather minima additions (+200 ft / +1000 m for precision, +400 ft / +1500 m for non-precision).

5Review two-way radio failure procedures under CAR 91.06.35 and ICAO Annex 2/Doc 8168.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format and duration of the SACAA Instrument Rating exam?

The examination consists of 40 multiple-choice questions administered via the SACAA PEXO online computer system, with a total time allowance of 120 minutes.

What is the pass mark for the SACAA Instrument Rating theory exam?

Under CAR 61.01.10, the pass mark is 75%. All questions carry equal weight and there is no negative marking.

What holding pattern entry rules apply under ICAO Doc 8168 PANS-OPS?

Entry sectors are divided into Sector 1 (Teardrop/Offset), Sector 2 (Parallel), and Sector 3 (Direct), determined by your entry heading relative to the holding fix and holding track with a 5° flexibility buffer on sector boundaries.

How are required descent rates calculated on a standard 3° glidepath?

A standard 3° glidepath requires a rate of descent approximately equal to Groundspeed (in knots) multiplied by 5 (e.g., 120 kt × 5 = 600 ft/min).

What action must a pilot take in the event of total two-way radio failure under IFR in South Africa?

Squawk 7600 immediately. Maintain the assigned altitude/speed or MEA (whichever is higher) for 20 minutes if in procedural airspace, proceed according to current flight plan, and descent over the fix to land within 30 minutes of ETA per CAR 91.06.35.

100+ Free SACAA Instrument Rating Theory Practice Questions

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