Airman Certification Standards
ACS CH.VIII.L
Flight Solely by
Knowledge
Elements related to attitude instrument flying during straight-and-level flight, climbs, turns, and descents.
Interpretation, operation, and limitations of pitch, bank, and power instruments.
Normal and abnormal instrument indications and operations.
Risk Management
Situations that can affect physiology and degrade instrument cross-check.
Spatial disorientation and optical illusions.
Flying an unfamiliar aircraft, or operating with unfamiliar flight display systems and avionics.
Skill
Maintain straight and level flight, altitude ±200 feet, heading ±20°, and airspeed ±10 knots.
Make a constant airspeed climb, airspeed ±10 knots, in straight flight and turns to a heading ±20°, and level off and maintain assigned altitude ±200 feet.
Make a constant airspeed descent, airspeed ±10 knots, in straight flight and turns to a heading ±20°, and level off and maintain assigned altitude ±200 feet.
Use proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and apply the appropriate pitch, bank, power, maintain coordinated flight throughout the maneuver.
Demonstrate SRM/CRM. 46
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 17, 2026.