Oral Exam Guide (Preflight)

Question 1

An applicant for an instrument rating must have at least how much and what type of flight time as a pilot?

Answer 1

1. 50 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC, of which 10 hours must have been in an airplane;
2. 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, of which 15 hours must have been received from an authorized instructor who holds an instrument rating.

Question 2

When is an instrument rating required?

Answer 2

When operations are conducted:

1. Under instrument flight rules (IFR flight plan).
2. In weather conditions less than the minimum for VFR flight.
3. In class A airspace.
4. Under special VFR within class B, C, D, and E surface areas between sunset and sunrise.
5. When carrying passengers for hire on cross-country flights in excess of 50 NM or at night.

Question 3

What are the currency requirements to be PIC of a flight under IFR?

Answer 3

1. A flight review.
2. To carry passengers, 3 takeoff and landings within the preceding 90 days.
3. Within 6 calendar months preceding the month of the flight, performed and logged in actual weather conditions or under simulated conditions, at least the following tasks in an airplane (6-6-HIT):
   - Six instrument approaches
   - Holding procedures and tasks
   - Intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems.

Question 4

If a pilot allows his instrument currency to expire, what can be done to become current again?

Answer 4

The second 6-month period is called the “Grace Period”. To get current again, the pilot must find an appropriately rated “Safety Pilot”, and in simulated IFR conditions only, acquire the 6 approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting/tracking courses. If the grace period passes, the pilot must accomplish a instrument proficiency check.

Question 5

Explain the difference between being “current” and being “proficient”.

Answer 5

Being “current” means that a pilot has accomplished the minimum FAA regulatory requirements within a specific time period to continue to operate the privileges of the certificate. Being “proficient” means that the pilot is capable of conducting a flight with a high degree of competence and decision making to ensure a safety.