Free FAA Instrument Rating Practice Test
This is a free FAA Instrument Rating practice test: a full 60 questions in the same format as the real IRA knowledge test, scored at 70%. The instrument written is where the details bite: approach minimums, the 1-2-3 rule, lost communications, icing, holding entries and timing. These questions are written from the Instrument Flying Handbook, the Instrument Procedures Handbook, the AIM and the regulations, and every explanation tells you where to go read more.
ACS-aligned study questions written by ATIS Alerts, not actual FAA test questions.
60 practice questions · 36 flashcards · 60-question test · 70% to pass
If two-way radio failure occurs in VFR conditions (or VFR is encountered), the pilot should:
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The IRA knowledge test at a glance
These are the FAA’s own numbers for the Instrument Rating Airplane knowledge test, from the Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix. Our practice test matches them.
| FAA test code | IRA |
|---|---|
| Questions | 60 |
| Time allowed | 2 hours |
| Passing score | 70% (42 correct) |
| Minimum age to test | 15 |
| Administered by | PSI, at an FAA-approved testing center |
Sample Instrument Rating practice test questions
A few examples of the 60 ACS-aligned questions in this bank: correct answer marked.
To act as pilot in command under IFR, a pilot must have logged, within the preceding 6 calendar months, at least:
- A. six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses. ✓
- B. one instrument proficiency check.
- C. three instrument approaches and one hold.
- D. six hours of actual instrument time.
The "6-6-HIT" rule: six approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses, all within the preceding six calendar months. Lapse it and you get a six-month grace period to regain currency with a safety pilot; lapse that too and an IPC is required.
Reference: 14 CFR 61.57(c)
A Standard Instrument Departure (SID) is established primarily to:
- A. remove the need for a clearance.
- B. simplify clearance delivery and reduce pilot/controller workload. ✓
- C. provide obstacle clearance only.
- D. define the missed approach procedure.
SIDs are ATC procedures that streamline complex clearances and organize departure traffic. They also provide obstacle clearance, but their defining purpose is workload/flow, which is why they require an ATC clearance to fly.
Reference: IPH
If the vacuum (or pressure) system fails, which instruments are typically affected in a conventional trainer?
- A. The magnetic compass and clock.
- B. The attitude indicator and heading indicator. ✓
- C. The altimeter and airspeed indicator.
- D. The turn coordinator and altimeter.
The attitude indicator and heading indicator are usually vacuum-driven gyros. A vacuum failure degrades both, forcing partial-panel flying using the electrically driven turn coordinator plus pitot-static instruments and the compass.
Reference: IFH ch.3
Along an airway, the MOCA assures obstacle clearance and acceptable navigation signal coverage only within:
- A. 5 nautical miles of the VOR.
- B. 40 nautical miles of the VOR.
- C. 22 nautical miles of the VOR. ✓
- D. 100 nautical miles of the VOR.
The Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude guarantees usable VOR signal only within 22 NM of the station, though it still assures obstacle clearance for the full segment.
Reference: Pilot/Controller Glossary
A standard-rate turn is a turn at:
- A. 1° per second.
- B. 6° per second.
- C. 3° per second. ✓
- D. a fixed 30° of bank.
A standard-rate turn is 3° per second, completing 360° in two minutes. The bank angle required varies with true airspeed (roughly TAS/10 + 7 degrees as a rule of thumb).
Reference: IFH ch.6
About the Instrument Rating written test
The Instrument Rating Airplane knowledge test (IRA) is 60 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 2 hours, administered by PSI at approved testing centers. You need 70%, 42 of 60, to pass, and the questions are drawn from the FAA Airman Certification Standards. Bring a valid photo ID and your instructor’s endorsement (or an approved equivalent), and plan to keep your test report. You’ll review any missed areas with your instructor before the practical test. Knowledge test results are valid for 24 calendar months.
From study to the real sky
Weather is a big slice of every airplane written, and it stays useful long after you pass. Practice on the real thing:
Practice weather knowledge, then watch it live
Track any airport with ATIS Alerts and get a Telegram message when the ATIS changes or conditions drop: free, no app to install.
Free FAA Instrument Rating practice test FAQ
How many questions are on the instrument rating written test?
60 questions, with a 2-hour limit and a 70% pass mark: 42 of 60 correct.
What is the FAA code for the instrument airplane test?
IRA.
Are these real FAA instrument rating test questions?
No. They are original, ACS-aligned practice questions written to cover the same knowledge areas as the IRA test.
What subjects does the instrument written test cover?
IFR regulations and the IFR system, IFR weather and weather products, departure procedures, en route charts, holding, instrument approaches and chart interpretation, alternate requirements, lost communications, navigation systems and GPS/RNAV, aircraft instruments, spatial disorientation, and risk management.
What is the 1-2-3 rule?
For a part 91 IFR flight, an alternate airport is required unless, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after the ETA, the forecast ceiling is at least 2,000 feet and visibility at least 3 statute miles. An alternate is always required if the destination has no published instrument approach.
Should I take an instrument ground school first?
Yes. Learn the material from a course and the FAA handbooks, then use these practice tests to find the gaps before you schedule.
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