Instrument Checkride: What to Expect on the Oral and Flight

The instrument checkride tests whether you can safely plan and fly in the IFR system. The oral leans heavily on weather, regulations, and procedures; the flight is about precise aircraft control and sound procedure by reference to instruments.

The oral

Be ready to discuss IFR currency and required equipment, weather and alternates, chart and approach-plate symbology, lost-communication procedures, and departure and arrival procedures. Bring current, printed weather if your examiner asks for it.

The flight

Expect precision and non-precision approaches, a hold, unusual-attitude recovery, and partial-panel work. A crisp, pre-briefed plan for each approach — and a clear lost-comm narrative — goes a long way.

How to prepare

Study the current ACS, stay ahead of the airplane, and rehearse your briefings until they're automatic. Examiner-specific reviews and study guides on DPERank can highlight where a given examiner focuses on the instrument ride.