The Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards (PTS) book is published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for instrument rating certification practical tests for the airplane, helicopter, and powered lift, category and classes. These practical test standards shall also be used for the instrument portion of the Commercial Pilot—Airship practical test. FAA inspectors and designated pilot examiners shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Flight instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful during training and when preparing for practical tests.
The Flight Standards Service of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed this practical test as the standard that shall be used by FAA examiners when conducting instrument rating—airplane, helicopter, and powered lift practical tests, and instrument proficiency checks for all aircraft. This practical test standard (PTS) shall also be used for the instrument portion of the commercial pilot—airship practical test. Instructors are expected to use this PTS when preparing applicants for practical tests. Applicants should be familiar with this PTS and refer to these standards during their training.
This PTS sets forth the practical test requirements for the addition of an instrument rating to a pilot certificate in airplanes, helicopters, and powered-lift aircraft.
Applicants for a combined private pilot certificate with instrument rating, in accordance with 14 CFR part 61, section 61.65 (a) and (g), must pass all areas designated in the Private Pilot PTS and the Instrument Rating PTS. Examiners need not duplicate tasks. For example, only one preflight demonstration would be required; however, the Preflight Task from the Instrument Rating PTS may be more extensive than the Preflight Task from the Private Pilot PTS to ensure readiness for IFR flight.
A combined checkride should be treated as one practical test, requiring only one application and resulting in only one temporary certificate, disapproval notice, or letter of discontinuance, as applicable. Failure of any task will result in a failure of the entire test and application. Therefore, even if the deficient maneuver was instrument related and the performance of all VFR tasks was determined to be satisfactory, the applicant will receive a notice of disapproval.
The Flight Standards Service of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed this practical test as the standard that shall be used by FAA examiners when conducting instrument rating—airplane, helicopter, and powered lift practical tests, and instrument proficiency checks for all aircraft. This practical test standard (PTS) shall also be used for the instrument portion of the commercial pilot—airship practical test. Instructors are expected to use this PTS when preparing applicants for practical tests. Applicants should be familiar with this PTS and refer to these standards during their training.
This PTS sets forth the practical test requirements for the addition of an instrument rating to a pilot certificate in airplanes, helicopters, and powered-lift aircraft.
Applicants for a combined private pilot certificate with instrument rating, in accordance with 14 CFR part 61, section 61.65 (a) and (g), must pass all areas designated in the Private Pilot PTS and the Instrument Rating PTS. Examiners need not duplicate tasks. For example, only one preflight demonstration would be required; however, the Preflight Task from the Instrument Rating PTS may be more extensive than the Preflight Task from the Private Pilot PTS to ensure readiness for IFR flight.
A combined checkride should be treated as one practical test, requiring only one application and resulting in only one temporary certificate, disapproval notice, or letter of discontinuance, as applicable. Failure of any task will result in a failure of the entire test and application. Therefore, even if the deficient maneuver was instrument related and the performance of all VFR tasks was determined to be satisfactory, the applicant will receive a notice of disapproval.
