The instrument checkride is the practical test for your instrument rating: an oral portion followed by a flight flown largely by reference to instruments. It is demanding but very passable with solid preparation. Here is what to expect.
Part of our Private Pilot ACS guide, which explains how the written, oral, and checkride fit together.
Part of our Instrument Rating guide. It is measured against the instrument Airman Certification Standards.
Before the checkride
You will need the same kind of paperwork as the private checkride: a completed IACRA application, your instructor’s endorsements, a logbook showing you meet the 14 CFR 61.65 experience, your passing knowledge test report, your certificates and medical, the aircraft documents, and the examiner’s fee.
The oral portion
The examiner will explore IFR regulations and currency, weather and go/no-go decisions, reading and briefing approach charts, required equipment and what to do when something fails, IFR flight planning, and alternates. Expect scenario-based questions about real instrument decisions.
The flight portion
Most of the flight is flown under a view-limiting device (or in actual instrument conditions), and commonly includes:
- Holding entries and holding
- Intercepting and tracking courses (VOR and GPS)
- A precision approach and non-precision approaches
- A circling approach and a missed approach
- Partial-panel flying after a simulated instrument failure
- Recovery from unusual attitudes by instruments
Common reasons applicants struggle
- Falling behind the airplane on approaches; staying ahead is everything in IFR
- Sloppy holding entries
- Weak partial-panel scan
- Briefing approaches incompletely
Consistent practice and chair-flying procedures at home are the cure for all of these.
What you'll need
Instrument checkride prep from PilotMall.com.
Frequently asked questions
What does the instrument flight test include?
Holding, course intercepts and tracking, precision and non-precision approaches, a circling and a missed approach, partial-panel flying, and unusual attitude recovery, mostly by reference to instruments.
Is it flown in actual clouds?
Often under a view-limiting device that blocks your outside view, or in actual instrument conditions if available and appropriate.
Can you retake it if you do not pass?
Yes. As with any checkride, you repeat only the areas you did not pass after retraining and a new endorsement.