Instrument Rating Airplane Ground Training Syllabus
The checklist becomes a record of training, such as that necessary for operations under 14CFR Part 141
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Airplane Instrument Rating Training Resources     |    Instrument Airplane Ground School Audio and Computer Testing Supplement


Class Schedule 3 hours per lesson, Classes on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Total Class Time - 48 Hours
 
Lesson #1 Introduction & Overview Flight Instrument Systems
Lesson #2 Attitude Instrument Flying, Instrument Navigation
Lesson #3 Federal Aviation Regulations Pertaining To IFR Operations
Lesson #4 ATC Systems & Clearances, Airports, Airspace & Flight Info.
Lesson #5 Instrument Navigation, Instrument Approach Charts
Lesson #6 Stage I Exam & Review
 
18 Hours
Lesson #7 ILS Approach Procedures, VOR Approach Procedures, NDB Approaches
Lesson #8 Departure Procedures, Enroute Procedures
Lesson #9 Arrival Procedures & Approaches
Lesson #10 STAGE II Exam & Review
 
30 Hours
Lesson #11 Weather Factors, Weather Hazards
Lesson #12 Weather Reports & Forecasts, Graphic Weather Products, High Altitude Considerations
Lesson #13 STAGE III Exam & Review
Lesson #14 Review
Lesson #15 Final Stage Exam & Review
Lesson #16 Review Of Least Understood Areas
 
48 Hours
FAA Written Test (Exam Fee)
 
Instrument Rating Airplane Ground Training Rev. 07/93
Copyright 1989, 1993 Thomas W. Gorski
 
48 Hours
Stage I Lessons 1 - 6: 18 Hours
Stage II Lessons 7 -10: 12 Hours
Stage III Lessons 11-16: 18 Hours
 
PURPOSE: This curriculum provides a detailed summary of specific actions to be taken during periods of ground instruction. It's purpose is to prepare students for FAA written examinations. This instrument ground school will: prepare: 1- Student, private or commercial pilots for an FAA exam in conjunction with the instrument airplane rating; 2- Flight instructors who wish to study for an instrument instructor rating; and, 3- Aviators who wish to increase their knowledge of instrument flight. It is designed to ensure that the specific areas of knowledge contained in 14CRF 61.65 are learned.
 
OBJECTIVE: The student will obtain the necessary aeronautical knowledge and meet the prerequisites specified in Part 61 of 14 CFR's for the instrument rating written test.
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: You will demonstrate, through oral questioning and written tests that you meet the prerequisites specified in Part 61 of the 14 CFR's, and have the knowledge necessary to pass the written test.
 
Recommended texts for use with this ground training syllabus are:
a. The Pilot's Handbook Of Aeronautical Knowledge.
b. AC 61-21A Flight Training Handbook
c. FAA-T-8080-20 Instrument Rating Question Book
d. AC 00-6A Aviation Weather, AC 00-45 Aviation Weather Services.
e. IFR Exam-O-Grams
f. Airman's Information Manual
g. Federal Aviation Regulations
 
The contents of this checklist parallels the subject areas in the Instrument Rating Question Book, (FAA-T-8080-20
 
 
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All words, pictorials, graphics and compiled information are protected from unauthorized use by U.S. Copyright Laws. The protected material may not be copied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or used for data base updating by any means without prior written consent of Thomas Gorski 811 Ewald Avenue S. Salem, OR 97302 (503) 399-8764
 
STAGE ONE--LESSONS 1 - 6: 18 HOURS.
STAGE ONE OBJECTIVE: Students will learn about the principles of instrument flight, including the use and limitations of flight instruments and instrument navigation systems, ATC systems and clearances, airports, airspace, flight information and instrument approach charts.
STAGE ONE COMPLETION STANDARDS: This stage will be successfully completed when the you pass the Stage I Written Exam with a minimum passing score of at least 75%, and has participated in the Stage I Written Exam review of incorrect responses before progressing.
 
Lesson #1. 3 Hours. Introduction & Overview Flight Instrument Systems Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: You will be introduced to this course of instruction, and to aircraft flight instruments and instrument systems. In addition, attitude instrument flying will be introduced.
 
CONTENTS:
Airspeed Definitions
 
Mach Number
 
Altitude Definitions, Altimeter Settings, Altimeter Errors
 
Vertical Speed Indicator
 
Instrument Errors
 
Magnetic Compass
Gyroscopic Flight Instruments and Systems
 
Attitude Indicator
 
Rate Of Turn Indicator
 
Turn Coordinator
 
Heading Indicator
 
Slaved Gyro
 
Gyroscopic Failures
 
Attitude Instrument Flying
 
Fundamental Skills
 
Unusual Attitude Recoveries
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: You will have successfully completed this lesson when, by oral questioning, you display a working knowledge of the various aircraft flight instruments and instrument systems, and how they relate to aircraft performance.
 
Lesson #2. 3 Hours. Attitude Instrument Flying, Instrument Navigation Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson you will review the previous lesson as necessary, and be introduced to various instrument navigation systems, and their respective flight instruments.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
 
Equipment Requirements
 
Equipment Inspections
 
VOR-VHF Omni Range Facilities (Checkpoints, Errors, Identifiers, DME)
 
Vor Indicator (Sensitivity, Deflection Scale, Aircraft Displacement 200' per dot per NM)
 
Classes of Navaids
 
Airborne Omni Display
 
VOR Orientation, HSI Orientation
 
VOR Accuracy Checks
 
A/FD Notations
 
Station Passage
 
HSI/VOR Orientation VOR & LOC Course, Glide Slope Indications
 
Fixed Card ADF Indications (RB, MH, MB)
 
Movable Card ADF Indications (RB, MH, MB)
 
Radio Magnetic Indicator & Orientation
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: You will have successfully completed this lesson when, by oral questioning, a working knowledge of instrument navigation systems and flight instruments is displayed.
 
Lesson #3. 3 Hours. Federal Aviation Regulations Pertaining To IFR Operations Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will review the previous lesson as necessary, and be given instruction in the various instruments and systems pertaining to IFR flight, and be introduced to specific Federal Aviation Regulations that pertain to the IFR flight environment.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
 
Instrument Landing System (ILS), Marker Beacons, Compass Locator, (LOM)
 
ILS Component Identifiers (VOR Identifiers)
 
DME Arcs
 
SDF, RNAV, LORAN (AFM Supplement)
 
Recent Flight Experience, Recent IFR Experience (14 CFR 61.57)
 
Pilot Logbooks (14 CFR 61.51)
 
ATC Clearance & Flight Plan (14 CFR 91.173)
 
Controlled Airspace (PCA, TCA 91.215, 91.131; ARSA Dimensions; CZ, TA, CA, ATA)
 
Uncontrolled Airspace
 
Special Use Airspace (Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, MOA, Alert)
 
Speed Limits
 
Oxygen
 
Spatial Disorientation
 
Collision Avoidance Scanning
 
Preflight (14 CFR 91.103)
 
NOTAMS
 
IFR Flight Plan (Type, Equipment, Departure Airport Code & SID,
UTC A/FD Legend; Initial Altitude, Route, Destination, ETE, Remarks, Useable Fuel 14 CFR 91.167; Alternate 14 CFR 91.169)
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: This lesson will have successfully completed when you can discuss the elements of basic instrument navigation, and the various Federal Aviation Regulations pertaining to instrument flight situations.
 
Lesson #4. 3 Hours. ATC Systems & Clearances, Airports, Airspace & Flight Info Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will review the previous lesson as necessary, and be given instruction in the various ATC systems and ATC clearances for departure and enroute segments of the flight.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
 
IFR Clearance
 
Cruise Clearance
 
VFR-On-Top
 
SID
 
FPM Climbs
 
Departure Routes
 
RMI Orientation (2315, 2363)
 
Minimum IFR Altitudes (91.177)
 
IFR Climb and Descent (AIM 4-89)
 
Adherence To Clearance (14 CFR 91.123)
 
Communications Reports (91.183)
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, by oral questioning, you have knowledge of ATC systems and ATC clearances and the Airspace, Airports and Flight Information concerning the National Airspace System.
 
Lesson #5. 3 Hours.Instrument Navigation, Instrument Approach Charts Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will review the previous lesson as necessary, and be given continued instruction in knowledge of ATC systems, clearances and the Airspace, Airports and the National Airspace System. Additionally, instruction on the Instrument Navigation and Approach Procedures pertaining to the Arrival and Approach segments of the IFR flight will be introduced, and you will be introduced to the En-Route Low Altitude Charts.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
Inoperative Components
 
VASI, PAPI
 
Runway Markings
 
Rotating Beacon
 
Wake Turbulence
 
Radar Service Advisories, Weather Advisories, Resume Own Navigation
 
Canceling IFR
En-Route Chart Symbols (A/FD Chart Selection, Loc, Loc/ATC Function, MEA MRA, MOCA, MCA, MAA, VHF Frequencies, COP's, Chart Position Orientation)
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: This lesson will have been successfully completed when by oral questioning, you can discuss ATC systems and clearances, Airspace, Airports and the National Airspace System, Instrument Navigation and Approach Procedures, and the En-Route Low Altitude Charts.
 
Lesson #6. 3 Hours. Stage I Exam & Review Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will be given the Instrument Stage I Exam and review. The review portion of this lesson will enable you to determine the areas of knowledge that require additional study.
 
CONTENTS:
For each numbered item, select the corresponding question number from your written test book, and mark the correct answer choice on your answer sheet. (You may make marks or write on this page.)
 
1
2003
2
2008
3
2012
4
2014
5
2025
6
2031
7
2032
8
2033
9
2038
10
2044
11
2047
12
2053
13
2054
14
2056
15
2069
16
2072
17
2076
18
2085
19
2089
20
2269
21
2271
22
2272
23
2275
24
2278
25
2312
26
2331
27
2353
28
2355
29
2372
30
2396
31
2399
32
2406
33
2410
34
2412
35
2418
36
2421
37
2426
38
2445
39
2458
40
2459
41
2468
42
2470
43
2473
44
2483
45
2528
46
2537
47
2550
48
2559
49
2569
50
2586
51
2587
52
2594
53
2638
54
2640
55
2665
56
2703
57
2705
58
2708
59
2731
60
2734
61
2748
62
2753
63
2759
64
2773
65
2776
66
2787
67
2798
68
2803
69
2814
70
2820
71
2829
72
2830
73
2840
74
2867
75
2939
STAGE TWO--Lessons 7 - 10. 12 Hours.
STAGE TWO OBJECTIVE: To develop your knowledge of ILS, NDB, and VOR approach procedures, and of departure, enroute and arrival procedures.
STAGE TWO COMPLETION STANDARDS: This stage will be successfully completed when the you pass the Stage II Written Exam with a minimum passing score of at least 75%, and has participated in the Stage II Written Exam review of incorrect responses before progressing.
 
Lesson #7. 3 Hours. ILS Approach Procedures, VOR Approach Procedures, NDB Approaches
Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will review the previous lesson as necessary, and be instructed in instrument clearances and ILS, VOR and NDB approach procedures.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
 
Instrument Approach Terms and Abbreviations
 
Instrument Approach Procedure Charts
 
Radar Approaches
 
Missed Approach
 
Runway Visual Range Definition 2401
 
RVR Comparable Values
 
Inoperative Components
 
ILS Approach Plates
 
VOR Approach Plates
 
NDB Approach Plates
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: This lesson will have been successfully completed when through oral questioning, you can demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of instrument clearances and ILS, VOR and NDB approach procedures.
 
Lesson #8. 3 Hours. Departure Procedures, Enroute Procedures Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will review the previous lesson as necessary, and be instructed in enroute and holding procedures, holding pattern entries and procedures for timed approaches.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
 
Visual and Contact Approaches
 
Reporting Speed Variations
 
Holding Clearance
 
Holding Procedures
 
Timed Approached From A Holding Fix 2628
 
ATC Communications During Arrival
 
Communications Failure
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, through oral questioning, you can demonstrate a working knowledge of enroute and holding procedures, holding pattern entries and procedures for timed approaches.
 
Lesson #9. 3 Hours Arrival Procedures & Approaches Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will review the previous lesson as necessary, and be instructed in the planning and computations of groundspeeds, distances and elapsed times, particular routes of flight.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
 
Courses and Headings Computations
 
Wind Correction Angle and Groundspeed
 
Quantities of Time, Speed and Distance
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, through oral questioning, you can demonstrate a working knowledge of planning and computations of groundspeeds, distances and elapsed times, particular routes of flight.
 
Lesson #10. 3 Hours. STAGE II Exam & Review Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will be given the Instrument Stage II Written Exam and review. The review portion of this lesson will enable you to determine the areas of knowledge that require additional study.
 
CONTENTS:
For each numbered item, select the corresponding question number from your written test book, and mark the correct answer choice on your answer sheet. (You may make marks or write on this page.)
1
2006
2
2048
3
2050
4
2051
5
2052
6
2061
7
2071
8
2073
9
2074
10
2075
11
2078
12
2079
13
2086
14
2282
15
2287
16
2296
17
2297
18
2298
19
2304
20
2305
21
2335
22
2336
23
2354
24
2370
25
2394
26
2395
27
2401
28
2404
29
2408
30
2409
31
2420
32
2433
33
2437
34
2443
35
2462
36
2468
37
2490
38
2497
39
2523
40
2540
41
2555
42
2558
43
2612
44
2618
45
2624
46
2629
47
2655
48
2667
49
2669
50
2672
51
2699
52
2701
53
2711
54
2714
55
2718
56
2749
57
2757
58
2767
59
2770
60
2797
61
2881
62
2942
STAGE THREE--Lessons 11 - 16. 18 Hours.
STAGE THREE OBJECTIVE: To develop your knowledge of Weather Factors, Weather Theory, IFR Flight Planning and Emergency Procedures.
STAGE THREE COMPLETION STANDARD: This stage will be successfully completed when the student passes the stage three written exam with a score of at least 75%
 
Lesson #11. 3 Hours. Weather Factors, Weather Hazards Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will review the previous lesson as necessary, and be instructed in Weather Factors and weather theory pertaining to IFR Flight.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
 
Basic Atmospheric Circulation
 
The Heating of the Earth
 
The Rotation of the Earth
 
Circulation and Wind
 
Jet Stream
 
Temperature
 
Moisture
 
Air Masses and Fronts
 
Stability of the Atmosphere
 
Clouds
 
Cloud Families
 
Flying Hazards Associated with Turbulence
 
Turbulence Reporting Criteria
 
Thunderstorms
 
Wind Shear
 
Loss Of Tailwind, Loss Of Headwind
 
Icing
 
Fog
 
Frost
 
Microburst
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: This lesson will have been completed when, through oral questioning, you demonstrate a working knowledge of Weather Theory and it's practical application to IFR flight in an airplane.
 
Lesson #12. 3 Hours.
Weather Reports & Forecasts, Graphic Weather Products, High Altitude Considerations Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will review the previous lesson as necessary, and be instructed in Weather Reports, Forecasts and other weather data pertinent to IFR flight.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
 
Surface Aviation Weather Report (SA, RS, SP)
 
Pilot Weather Reports (Pireps)
 
Terminal Forecasts (FT)
 
Area Forecasts (FA)
 
Wind and Temperatures Aloft Forecasts (FD)
 
Convective Outlook (AC)
 
Surface Analysis Chart
 
Weather Depiction Chart
 
Radar Summary Chart
 
Constant Pressure Charts
 
Observed Wind Aloft Chart
 
Tropopause Data Chart
 
Tropopause Height/Vertical Wind Shear Prognostic Chart
 
Low-Level Significant Weather Prognostic Chart
 
High-Level Significant Weather Prognostic Chart
 
Severe Weather Outlook Chart
 
In-Flight Weather Advisories (WA, WS, WST)
 
Transcribed Weather Broadcast (TWEB)
 
En Route Flight Advisory Service (EFAS)
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, through oral questioning, you display a working knowledge of Weather Reports, Forecasts and other Weather Information Pertaining to Aircraft Flight in IFR weather conditions.
 
Lesson #13. 3 Hours. STAGE III Exam & Review Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will be given the Instrument Stage III Written Exam and review. The review portion of this lesson will enable you to determine the areas of knowledge that require additional study in preparation for the FAA Written Exam.
 
CONTENTS: For each numbered item, select the corresponding question number from your written test book, and mark the correct answer choice on your answer sheet.
1
2094
2
2095
3
2096
4
2097
5
2101
6
2102
7
2107
8
2111
9
2119
10
2120
11
2121
12
2123
13
2129
14
2132
15
2133
16
2139
17
2151
18
2153
19
2156
20
2158
21
2160
22
2174
23
2178
24
2180
25
2182
26
2184
27
2185
28
2190
29
2194
30
2195
31
2201
32
2207
33
2209
34
2211
35
2223
36
2226
37
2228
38
2240
39
2244
40
2245
41
2249
42
2256
43
2332
44
2432
45
2451
46
2455
47
2504
48
2505
49
2515
50
2526
51
2544
52
2611
53
2631
54
2634
55
2720
56
2745
57
2764
58
2793
59
2847
60
2870
61
2877
62
2880
63
2885
64
2902
65
2907
66
2908
67
2927
Lesson #14. 3 Hours. Review Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will review the previous lessons as necessary, and be instructed in areas of knowledge which you need.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
 
Review of all previous lessons.
 
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, through oral questioning, you display a working knowledge of those areas which were not clear from the beginning.
 
Lesson #15. 3 Hours. Final Stage Exam & Review Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will be given the Final Instrument Stage Exam and review. The review portion of this lesson will enable you to determine the areas of knowledge that require additional study in preparation for the FAA Written Exam.
 
CONTENTS: For each numbered item, select the corresponding question number from your written test book, and mark the correct answer choice on your answer sheet.
1
2005
2
2020
3
2048
4
2055
5
2067
6
2083
7
2100
8
2103
9
2099
10
2105
11
2116
12
2122
13
2135
14
2136
15
2148
16
2169
17
2170
18
2175
19
2192
20
2202
21
2205
22
2217
23
2230
24
2238
25
2251
26
2258
27
2299
28
2300
29
2303
30
2315
31
2323
32
2324
33
2347
34
2351
35
2356
36
2363
37
2389
38
2392
39
2400
40
2405
41
2424
42
2434
43
2442
44
2463
45
2465
46
2484
47
2494
48
2519
49
2532
50
2536
51
2545
52
2570
53
2593
54
2603
55
2625
56
2641
57
2687
58
2702
59
2709
60
2716
61
2727
62
2760
63
2763
64
2778
65
2807
66
2875
67
2867
68
2887
69
2916
70
2917
71
2943
Lesson #16. 3 Hours. Review Of Least Understood Areas Instrument Rating
OBJECTIVE: During this lesson, you will review the previous lessons as necessary, and be instructed in areas of knowledge which you need.
 
CONTENTS:
Review Previous Subjects as Necessary
 
Review of Least Understood Areas
 
COMPLETION STANDARDS: This lesson will have been successfully completed when, through oral questioning, you display a working knowledge of those areas which were not clear from the beginning.

Instrument Rating | Instrument Flight Training