Embarking on the Instrument Rating Skills Test is a pivotal step in any pilot’s career, particularly for those in the private aviation sector.

This test not only measures your ability to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR) but also your proficiency in managing the aircraft’s systems and your situational awareness under varying conditions.

To help you navigate this challenging yet rewarding examination, we’ve compiled a series of crucial tips that address common fail points and enhance your overall performance during the test. From mastering communication protocols to handling navigation equipment and understanding the specific requirements of the test, these tips are designed to provide you with a comprehensive toolkit for success.

Whether you’re a seasoned pilot brushing up your skills or a new aviator preparing for your first IFR test, these insights will help ensure you’re fully prepared to demonstrate your capabilities and achieve a passing mark.

• Check Nav AND Comm radios. Check Comm radios on two different frequencies. Tune,  Identify, Test. (This is a potential fail point) 

• Use Flight Director for T/O. 

• Take off with TO/TO, Mode Change above 400’ (Pans Ops 8168) 

• Pitch and Roll modes are ‘Transient Modes’. Not intended for long periods. • Runway Heading to 400’. Runway Track above 400’. 

• Format for Comms: Director, G-PPEM, Lyd 2 Departure, Altitude 2000’, climbing to Altitude  4000’. 

• For test purposes, you MUST plan to climb to a Flight Level. 

• RNP Approach: Confirm Tracks and distances by comparing data on the display with a  recognized chart (eg: Jepp) 

• Don’t preempt the flight director. If you’re flying on the Flight Director, then do what it says. In  other words, don’t ‘look through’ the flight director. 

• Must have covers for both the PFD and the MFD for test purposes. Post-It notes or equivalent  to cover glide slope. 

• Prepare for timed turns on the compass. Remember the 3 degrees/second exercise. • For an initial, there must be an ILS. A 3D RNP does not suffice. 

• Remember to book an ILS back in to EGKB for exam purposes. 

• Auto Pilot: To be used during the cruise only, and then only in HDG/ALT mode. • Check with the Examiner what your call sign will be on the day. 

• You can’t expect assistance from the examiner. 

• Verbalise the checklist. Notify the examiner when you are using the checklist. • Take off and Approach will be at minima. 

• IPC/Flight Review must be valid. 

• Plan to fly a SID in to Class A airspace. 

• Holds will be on needles, not on database. 

• Know the difference between ‘Dive and Drive’ and CDFA. 

• Add 50’ for Pressure Error Correction. 

• What lights are required in order to continue an approach to minima? Answer: Sufficient cues to  land. 

You will be asked about the documents required onboard the aircraft. 

• Recovery from stall will be conducted at Vy. 

• The reason for adding 50ft to non-precision approaches is because they become MDA and  therefore can’t descend below. The 50ft ensures you comply. 

Candidates are expected to have a paper PLOG and keep it updated with ETA/ATA and fuel.

When loading approaches from database, must check legs against plate (distance and track).

Successfully navigating an Instrument Rating Skills Test requires meticulous preparation and attention to detail. Key points to focus on include thorough checks of navigation and communication radios, adhering to specific takeoff and approach protocols, and precise use of flight director systems.

Understanding the requirements for instrument approaches, such as the necessity for an ILS approach for initial tests and knowing how to cover instruments like the PFD and MFD, are crucial.

Additionally, pilots should be proficient in procedures such as timed turns, handling non-precision approaches with added altitude for safety, and verbalising checklists effectively.

By mastering these elements, you can enhance your performance and confidence in handling the complexities of IFR flight during your examination.