FAA-G-8082-13A

INSTRUMENT RATING
KNOWLEDGE TEST GUIDE

October 15, 2003

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration
INTRODUCTION

FAA-G-8082-13A, Instrument Rating Knowledge Test Guide, supersedes FAA-G-8082-13, dated 1999.

Knowledge tests for the instrument rating consist of a selection of questions in the areas that pertain to
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) requirements, attitude instrument flying, flight planning,
meteorology, the pilot’s responsibility when operating under instrument flight rules (IFR); and IFR
operations pertinent to preflight, departure, en route, and arrival. The Instrument Rating—Foreign pilot
test includes questions that pertain to instrument flight rules and related procedures. These tests can be
administered by any authorized testing center.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman knowledge tests are a very effective instrument for
aviation safety and regulation compliance. However, these tests can only sample the vast amount of
knowledge every pilot needs to operate safely in the National Airspace System (NAS).

Comments regarding this guide should be sent to the Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Testing
Standards Branch, AFS-630, Attn: ATP Certification Area Manager, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK
73125. Comments may also be e-mailed to AFS630Comments@faa.gov.

KNOWLEDGE TEST ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The general prerequisites for an instrument rating require that you have a combination of experience,
knowledge, and skill. For specific information pertaining to certification, you should carefully review
the appropriate sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61 for instrument
rating requirements.

Additionally, to be eligible for an instrument rating, you must:

? Hold at least a current private pilot certificate with an aircraft rating appropriate to the instrument
rating sought.
? Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
? Show satisfactory completion of ground instruction or home study course required by 14 CFR
part 61 for the certificate or rating sought.
? Present as personal identification an airman certificate, driver’s license, or birth certificate showing
that you meet the age requirements prescribed for the certificate sought no later than 2 years from the
date of application for the test.

KNOWLEDGE AREAS ON THE TESTS

To be eligible to take an instrument rating knowledge test, you must have received ground instruction,
or have logged home study in all the following areas:

? The CFR’s that apply to flight under IFR conditions, the Airman’s Information Manual (AIM),
and the IFR air traffic system and procedures.
? Dead reckoning appropriate to IFR navigation using various navigation systems. The use of IFR
enroute and approach procedure charts.
? The procurement and use of aviation weather reports and forecasts, and the elements of forecasting
weather trends on the basis of that information and personal observation of weather conditions.
? The safe and efficient operation of aircraft, as appropriate, under instrument weather conditions.
The instrument flight instructor and instrument ground instructor knowledge tests cover the same
subject areas listed previously. The instructor applicant is expected to have an e ndepth
knowledge of these areas in order to test.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE TESTS

All test questions are the objective, multiple-choice type. Each question can be answered by the selection
of a single response. Each test question is independent of other questions; therefore, a correct response
to one does not depend upon, or influence the correct response to another.

A significant number of the questions are “category-specific” and appear only on the airplane test or
rotorcraft/helicopter test. A 20-question “added rating” test is administered to an instrument instructor
applicant who holds an instrument instructor rating in one category (airplane or helicopter) and
wishes to meet the knowledge requirements for the other category. The 20-question “added rating”
tests are composed mostly of “category-specific” questions.

A person who holds an instrument rating in one category (airplane or helicopter) is not required to
take an additional rating knowledge test for another category however, a practical test is required for
the additional rating. An applicant for a powered lift instrument rating may take either the airplane
or helicopter instrument rating knowledge test.

This this document offers information for preparing you to take one or all of the following knowledge
tests.

? Instrument Rating—Airplane
? Instrument Rating—Rotorcraft/Helicopter
? Instrument Rating—Foreign Pilot
? Instrument Flight Instructor—Airplane
? Instrument Flight Instructor—Rotorcraft/Helicopter
? Instrument Flight Instructor—Airplane (Added Rating)
? Instrument Flight Instructor—Rotorcraft/ Helicopter (Added Rating)
? Ground Instructor—Instrument
Ground Instructor—Instrument applicants should be prepared to answer any question that appears
in the instrument question bank as they are expected to teach all instrument ratings.

The following tests each contain 60 questions, and you are allowed 2.5 hours to complete each test.
? Instrument Rating—Airplane
? Instrument Rating—Rotorcraft/Helicopter

The following tests each contain 50 questions, and you are allowed 2.5 hours to complete each test.
? Instrument Flight Instructor—Airplane
? Instrument Flight Instructor—Rotorcraft/Helicopter
? Ground Instructor—Instrument
? Instrument Rating—Foreign Pilot
All added instrument instruction rating tests contain 20 questions, and you are allowed 1 hour to complete
each test.

A score of 70 percent must be attained to successfully pass each test.

Communication between individuals through the use of words is a complicated process. In addition to
being an exercise in the application and use of aeronautical knowledge, a test is also an exercise in
communication since it involves the use of the written language. Since the tests involve written rather
than spoken words, communication between the test writer and the person being tested may become
a difficult matter if care is not exercised by both parties. Consequently, considerable effort is expended
to write each question in a clear, precise manner. Make sure you carefully read the instructions given
with each test, as well as the statements in each test item.

When taking a test, keep the following points in mind:

? Answer each question in accordance with the latest regulations and guidance publications.
? Read each question carefully before looking at the possible answers. You should clearly understand
the problem before attempting to solve it.
? After formulating an answer, determine which choice corresponds with that answer. The answer
chosen should completely resolve the problem.
? From the answer given, it may appear that there is more than one possible answer; however, there
is only one answer that is correct and complete. The other answers are either incomplete or are
derived from popular misconceptions.
? If a certain question is difficult for you, it is best to mark it for review and proceed to the other
questions. After you answer the less difficult questions, return to those which you marked for review
and answer them. The review marking procedure will be explained to you prior to starting the test.
Although the computer should alert you to unanswered questions, make sure every question has an
answer recorded. This procedure will enable you to use the available time to the maximum advantage.
? When solving a calculation problem, select the answer closest to your solution. The problem has
been checked with various types of calculators; therefore, if you have solved it correctly, your answer
will be closer to the correct answer than any of the other choices.

PROCESS FOR TAKING A KNOWLEDGE TEST

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has available hundreds of computer testing centers
worldwide. These testing centers offer the full range of airman knowledge tests including military
competence, instrument foreign pilot, and pilot examiner predesignated tests. A list of Computer
Testing Designees (CTDs) and phone numbers are provided in the section titled, Obtaining Training
and Testing Publications and General Information.

The first step in taking a knowledge test is the registration process. You may either call the central 1-
800 numbers or simply use the walk-in basis. If you choose to use the 1-800 number to register, you
will need to select a testing center, schedule a test date, and make financial arrangements for test
payment. You may register for tests several weeks in advance, and you may cancel your appointment
according to the CTD’s cancellation policy. If you do not follow the CTD’s cancellation policies, you
could be subject to a cancellation fee.

The next step in taking a knowledge test is providing proper identification. Testing center personnel
will not begin the test until your identification is verified.
Authorization requirements should be determined before contacting or going to the computer testing
center. Testing center personnel cannot begin the test until provided with the proper documents. A
limited number of tests require no authorization. In the instrument rating test area an authorization is not
required for Instrument Flight Instructor—Airplane, Instrument Flight Instructor—Helicopter, Instrument
Rating—Foreign Pilot, and Ground Instructor—Instrument.

Acceptable forms of authorization:

? A certificate of graduation or a statement of accomplishment certifying the satisfactory completion

of the ground school portion of a course from an FAA-certificated pilot school.
? A certificate of graduation or a statement of accomplishment certifying the satisfactory completion
of the ground school portion of a course from an agency such as a high school, college, adult education
program, U.S. Armed Force, ROTC Flight Training School, or Civil Air Patrol.
? A written statement or logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you
have accomplished a ground training or home study course required for the rating sought and you
are prepared for the knowledge test.
? Failed Airman Knowledge Test Report, passing Airman Knowledge Test Report, or expired Airman
Knowledge Test Report (pass or fail), provided that you still have the original Airman Knowledge Test
Report in your possession.

Before you take the actual test, you will have the option to take a sample test. The actual test is time
limited; however, you should have sufficient time to complete and review your test.

Upon completion of the knowledge test, you will receive your Airman Knowledge Test Report, with
the testing center’s embossed seal, which reflects your score.

The Airman Knowledge Test Report lists the subject matter knowledge codes for questions answered
incorrectly. The total number of subject matter knowledge codes shown on the Airman Knowledge
Test Report is not necessarily an indication of the total number of questions answered incorrectly.

Appendixes 1 and 2 of Advisory Circular (AC) 60-25, Subject Matter Knowledge Codes for Airman
Knowledge Testing contains the listings of reference materials and subject matter knowledge codes
for airman knowledge testing. You should match the subject matter knowledge codes on your Airman
Knowledge Test Report to the codes in AC 60-25 to review your areas of deficiency.

The listings of reference materials and subject matter knowledge codes have been prepared by the
FAA to establish specific references for all knowledge standards. The listings contain reference materials
to be used when preparing for all airman knowledge tests.

AC 60-25 can be downloaded from the Regulatory Support Division’s (AFS-600) web site. Refer to
the section titled, Obtaining Training and Testing Publications and General Information for instructions.

Your instructor is required to provide instruction on each of the knowledge areas listed on your Airman
Knowledge Test Report, and complete an endorsement of this instruction. The Airman Knowledge
Test Report must be presented to the examiner prior to taking the practical test. During the oral
portion of the practical test, the examiner is required to evaluate the noted areas of deficiency.
Should you require a duplicate Airman Knowledge Test Report due to loss or destruction of the original,
send a signed request accompanied by a check or money order for the amount of $1 payable to the FAA.
Your request should be sent to the Federal Aviation Administration, Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-
760, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.

USE OF TEST AIDS AND MATERIALS

You may use aids, reference materials, and test materials within the guidelines listed below, if actual test
questions or answers are not revealed. All models of aviation-oriented calculators may be used, including
small electronic calculators that perform only arithmetic functions (add, subtract, multiply, and divide).
Simple programmable memories, which allow addition to, subtraction from, or retrieval of one
number from the memory, are permissible. Also, simple functions, such as square root and percent
keys are permissible. The following guidelines apply:

1. You may use any reference materials provided with the test. In addition, you may use scales,
straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers, log sheets, holding pattern entry aids, and
electronic or mechanical calculators that are directly related to the test.
2. Manufacturer’s permanently inscribed instructions on the front and back of such aids, e.g.,
formulas, conversions, regulations, signals, weather data, holding pattern diagrams, frequencies, weight
and balance formulas, and air traffic control procedures are permissible.
3. Testing centers may provide a calculator to you and/or deny use of your personal calculator
based on the following limitations:

a. Prior to, and upon completion of the test, while in the presence of the proctor, you
must actuate the ON/OFF switch and perform any other function that ensures erasure of any data
stored in memory circuits.
b. The use of electronic calculators incorporating permanent or continuous type memory
circuits without erasure capability is prohibited. The proctor may refuse the use of your calculator
when unable to determine the calculator’s erasure capability.
c. Printouts of data must be surrendered at the completion of the test if the calculator
incorporates this design feature.
d. The use of magnetic cards, magnetic tapes, modules, computer chips, or any other
device upon which pre-written programs or information related to the test can be stored and retrieved
is prohibited.
e. You are not permitted to use any booklet or manual containing instructions related to
use of test aids.

4 . Dictionaries are not allowed in the testing area.

5. The proctor makes the final determination relating to test materials and personal possessions
you may take into the testing area.

DYSLEXIC TESTING PROCEDURES

If you are a dyslexic applicant, you may request approval from the local Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO) or International Field Office (IFO) to take an airman knowledge test using one of the
three options listed in preferential order:

1. Option one. Use current testing facilities and procedures whenever possible.
2. Option two. You may use a Franklin Speaking Wordmaster® to facilitate the testing process.
The Wordmaster® is a self-contained electronic thesaurus that audibly pronounces typed in words
and presents them on a display screen. It has a built-in headphone jack for private listening. The headphone
feature must be used during testing to avoid disturbing others.
3. Option three. If you do not choose to use the first or second option may request a proctor to assist
in reading specific words or terms from the test questions and supplement material. In the interest of preventing
compromise of the testing process, the proctor must be someone who is non-aviation oriented. The proctor
must provide reading assistance only, with no explanation of words or terms. When this option is requested,
the FSDO or IFO inspector must contact AFS-630 for assistance in selecting the test site and proctor.

Prior to approval of any option, the FSDO or IFO inspector must advise you of the regulatory
certification requirement of being able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

CHEATING OR OTHER UNAUTHORIZED CONDUCT

Computer testing centers must follow strict security procedures to avoid test compromise. These
procedures are established by the FAA and are covered in FAA Order 8080.6, Conduct of Airman
Knowledge Tests. The FAA has directed testing centers to terminate a test at any time a test proctor
suspects a cheating incident has occurred. An FAA investigation will then be conducted. If the
investigation determines that cheating or unauthorized conduct has occurred, then any airman
certificate or rating that you hold may be revoked, and you will be prohibited for 1 year from applying
for or taking any test for a certificate or rating under 14 CFR part 61.

VALIDITY OF AIRMAN KNOWLEDGE TEST REPORTS

Airman Knowledge Test Reports are valid for the 24-calendar month period preceding the month you
complete the practical test. If the Airman Knowledge Test Report expires before completion of the
practical test, you must retake the knowledge test.

RETESTING PROCEDURES

If you receive a grade lower than 70 percent and wish to retest, you must present the following to
testing center personnel.

• failed Airman Knowledge Test Report; and

• a written endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that additional instruction has
been given, and the instructor finds you competent to pass the test.

If you decide to retake the test in anticipation of a better score, you may retake the test after 30 days
from the date your last test was taken. Prior to retesting, you must surrender your previous test report
to the test proctor. The latest test taken will reflect the official score.

The proctor must destory the original test report after administering the retest. The latest test taken
will reflect the official score.
OBTAINING TRAINING AND TESTING PUBLICATIONS AND
GENERAL INFORMATION

Most of the current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing publications can be obtained
in electronic format from the Regulatory Support Division’s (AFS-600) web site. AFS-600’s Internet
address is:

http://afs600.faa.gov

The training and testing publications and general information can be found on the Airman Testing Standards
(AFS-630) portion of AFS-600’s web site.
You will find the following links available on AFS-630’s portion of the web site. (If a publication is not
available in electronic format, there is a listing of the current publication along with instructions on how
to obtain paper copies.)

? Advisory Circulars
? Airman Knowledge Test Question
? Airman Knowledge Testing Sites
? Airman Knowledge Testing Supplements
? Airman Knowledge Testing Information
? Other Testing Information
? Practical Test Standards
? Test Statistics
? Training Handbooks
? Subject Matter Knowledge Codes

Advisory Circulars
The advisory circulars provide guidance and information on various subjects related to airman
certification.

Airman Knowledge Test Items

The airman knowledge test items contain the airman knowledge question banks representative of
questions for airman knowledge tests and the corresponding subject matter knowledge codes, indicating
specific references from which questions are developed.
The sample questions that are published on the web site are organized by content category and represent
the types of questions included in the actual test banks. Practicing these questions will help you become
familiar with similar questions on the airman knowledge tests. The knowledge test is not designed to
intimidate any prospective airman; it is designed to measure their understanding of the rules and
regulations required to receive an FAA certificate.

The policy regarding public access to test questions is to continue publishing questions that affect
special emphasis areas regarding safety, such as aeronautical decision making, airspace, aircraft
performance, operations/airworthiness regulations, weather services and reports, etc. However, we
do not publish all test questions. Many questions in the test banks are parallel in content area or
format and publishing same types of questions would not help the applicant in determining areas to
study. Examples would include questions involving a process or calculation, such as weight and balance
or performance questions using the same chart. Our intent in not publishing every question in the
airman test bank is to respond to the public demand for proper evaluation of prospective airmen. It is
our duty to respond to these issues and provide valid and reliable tests to make certain that qualified
applicants meet the FAA airman knowledge testing standards.
Airman Knowledge Testing Sites
The airman knowledge testing sites contains a current listing of computer testing designees and computer
testing centers, and the registration telephone numbers required when registering for a test.

The following is a list of the computer testing designees authorized to give FAA airman knowledge
tests. This list should be helpful in case you choose to register for a test or simply want more information.
This information is current as of October 2003.

? Computer Assisted Testing Service (CATS)

1801 Murchison Drive, Suite 288

Burlingame, CA 94010

Applicant inquiry and test registration:

1-800-947-4228

From outside the U.S. (650) 259-8550

? LaserGrade Computer Testing

16821 S.E. McGillivray, Suite 201

Vancouver, WA 98683

Applicant inquiry and test registration:

1-800-211-2754

From outside the U.S. (360) 896-9111

Airman Knowledge Testing Supplements

The airman knowledge testing supplements contain the graphics, legends, and maps that are needed
to successfully respond to certain knowledge test items. The supplements will be located at this web
site as they become available in electronic format. There is a current listing of all available supplements
(file name: supplements.pdf) and instructions on how to purchase.

Knowledge Test Guides

The knowledge test guides describe the knowledge testing policy and procedures for each certification
area.

Other Computer Testing Information

Other computer testing information provides specific test information, such as test name, test code
(three-digit test identifiers), number of questions, and the time (hours) allotted for each knowledge
test. The test identifiers will assist you in selecting the proper test for the certification/rating being
sought.

Practical Test Standards

The practical test standards outline the knowledge and skill requirements for each airman certificate
and rating. The references listed in each task of the practical test standards indicate the specific publications
used to develop the skill standards. The ability to issue immediate changes prior to publishing revised
printed copies ensures the practical test standards are always accurate and usable. Current practical test
standard books and a current listing of practical test standard changes are maintained on the web site
under practical test standards.

Test Statistics
Test statistics for all airman knowledge tests are contained in a series of tables organized by year and
subject area. Individual tables are provided for the following subject areas: test volume, pass rates,
average test scores, countries, regions, and district offices.

Training Handbooks
The training handbooks are the basic information sources an airman applicant should refer to when
preparing for the knowledge and practical tests for a specific certificate or rating. The handbooks will
be located at this web site as they become available in electronic format.

A current listing of all available handbooks and instructions on how to purchase handbooks is
maintained on the web site under training handbooks, file name: currenthandbooks.pdf.

SubjectMatterKnowledgeCodes
Advisory Circular (AC) 60-25, Reference Materials and Subject Matter Knowledge Codes for Airman
Knowledge Testing.

Appendixes 1 and 2 of this advisory circular contain the listings of reference materials and subject
matter knowledge codes for airman knowledge testing. Appendix 1 includes codes for pilots,
instructors, flight engineers, dispatchers, navigators, pilot examiners, inspection authorization, and
parachute riggers. Appendix 2 includes codes for aircraft mechanics.

The listings of reference materials and subject matter knowledge codes have been prepared by the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish specific references for all knowledge standards.
The listings contain reference materials to be used when preparing for all airman knowledge tests.
The subject matter knowledge codes should be referred to when reviewing areas of deficiency on
airman knowledge test reports.