Instrument Procedures

Operational factors that could affect an instrument takeoff (e.g., runway length, runway lighting, surface conditions, wind, wake turbulence, icing conditions, obstructions, available instrument approaches or alternate airports available) in the event of an emergency after takeoff.

Selection of a runway based on aircraft performance and limitations, available distance, surface conditions, lighting, and wind.

Wake turbulence.

Abnormal operations, including planning for:

a. Rejected takeoff

b. Potential failure of any powerplant(s) in the takeoff/climb phase of flight with the ceiling or visibility below the minimums for an instrument approach at departure airport

Collision hazards.

Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) prior to takeoff in a timely manner.

Properly set the applicable avionics and flight instruments prior to initiating the takeoff.

Make radio calls as appropriate.

Verify assigned/correct runway.

Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.

Clear the area, taxi into takeoff position, and align the aircraft on the runway centerline.

Perform an instrument takeoff with instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) simulated at or before reaching an altitude of 100 feet above ground level (AGL). If accomplished in a full flight simulator, visibility should be no greater than ¼ mile, or as specified by applicable operations specifications, whichever is lower.

Maintain centerline and proper flight control inputs during the takeoff roll.

Confirm takeoff power, powerplant and flight instrument indications for the aircraft or per the operator’s procedures.

Lift off or depart at the recommended airspeed, establish the desired pitch attitude, and accelerate to the desired airspeed/V-speed.

Transition smoothly from visual meteorological conditions (VMC) to actual or simulated instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

Maintain desired heading ±5° and desired airspeeds ±5 knots.

Comply with air traffic control (ATC) clearances and instructions issued by ATC or the evaluator, as appropriate.

Complete appropriate after takeoff checklist(s) in a timely manner.

Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.

Takeoff minimums; (Obstacle) Departure Procedure (ODP), including Visual Climb over the Airport (VCOA) and Diverse Vector Area (Radar Vectors); Standard Instrument Departure (SID), including Area Navigation (RNAV) departure; required climb gradients; U.S. Terminal Procedures Publications; and En Route Charts.

Use of a Flight Management System (FMS) or Global Positioning System (GPS) to follow a DP.

Pilot/controller responsibilities, communication procedures, and ATC services available to pilots.

Two-way radio communication failure procedures after takeoff.

Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity).

Following published procedures and required climb gradients or ATC Instructions.

Limitations of air traffic avoidance equipment and use of see and avoid techniques.

Automation management.

Select the appropriate instrument departure procedure. Then select, identify (as necessary), and use the appropriate communication and navigation facilities associated with the procedure.

Program the FMS prior to departure and set avionics, including flight director and autopilot controls, as appropriate, for the departure, if applicable.

Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) in a timely manner.

Use current and appropriate navigation publications or databases for the proposed flight.

Establish two-way communications with the proper controlling agency, use proper phraseology, comply, in a timely manner, with all ATC instructions and airspace restrictions, and exhibit adequate knowledge of communication failure procedures.

Intercept all courses, radials, and bearings appropriate to the procedure, route, clearance, or as directed by the evaluator in a timely manner.

Comply with all applicable charted procedures.

Maintain the appropriate airspeed ±10 knots, headings ±10°, and altitude ±100 feet, and accurately track a course, radial, or bearing.

Conduct the departure phase to a point where, in the opinion of the evaluator, the transition to the en route environment is complete.

Standard Terminal Arrival (STAR) charts, U.S. Terminal Procedures Publications, and IFR En Route High and Low Altitude Charts.

Use of a Flight Management System (FMS) or GPS to follow a STAR.

Pilot/controller responsibilities, communication procedures, and ATC services available to pilots.

Two-way radio communication failure procedures during an arrival.

Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity).

ATC communications and compliance with published procedures.

Limitations of traffic avoidance equipment.

Responsibility to use "see and avoid" techniques when possible.

Automation management.

ATC instructions that modify an arrival or discontinue/resume the aircraft's lateral or vertical navigation on an arrival.

In actual or simulated instrument conditions, select, identify (as necessary) and use the appropriate communication and navigation facilities associated with the arrival.

Set FMS and avionics, including flight director and autopilot controls for the arrival, if applicable.

Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) in a timely manner.

Use current and appropriate navigation publications or databases for the proposed flight.

Establish two-way communications with the proper controlling agency, use proper phraseology and comply, in a timely manner, with all ATC instructions and airspace restrictions as well as exhibit adequate knowledge of communication failure procedures.

Intercept all courses, radials, and bearings appropriate to the procedure, route, clearance, or as directed by the evaluator in a timely manner.

Comply with all applicable charted procedures.

Adhere to airspeed restrictions required by regulation, procedure, aircraft limitation, ATC, or the evaluator.

Establish rates of descent consistent with the route segment, aircraft operating characteristics and safety.

Maintain the appropriate airspeed/V-speed ±10 knots, heading ±10°, altitude ±100 feet, and accurately track radials, courses, and bearings.

Procedures and limitations associated with a non-precision approach, including the differences between Localizer Performance (LP) and Lateral Navigation (LNAV) approach guidance.

Navigation system displays and annunciations, modes of operation, and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) lateral accuracy values associated with an RNAV (GPS) approach.

Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity).

A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.

Deviating from the assigned approach procedure.

Selecting a navigation frequency.

Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.

Aircraft configuration during an approach and missed approach.

An unstable approach, including excessive descent rates.

Deteriorating weather conditions on approach.

Operating below the minimum descent altitude (MDA) without proper visual references.

Accomplish the non-precision instrument approaches selected by the evaluator.

Establish two-way communications with air traffic control (ATC) appropriate for the phase of flight or approach segment, and use proper communication phraseology.

Select, tune, identify, and confirm the operational status of navigation equipment to be used for the approach.

Comply with all clearances issued by ATC or the evaluator.

Recognize if any flight instrumentation is inaccurate or inoperative, and take appropriate action.

Advise ATC or the evaluator if unable to comply with a clearance.

Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) in a timely manner.

Establish the appropriate aircraft configuration and airspeed considering meteorological and operating conditions.

Maintain altitude ±100 feet, selected heading ±5°, airspeed ±10 knots, and accurately track radials, courses, and bearings, prior to beginning the final approach segment.

Adjust the published MDA/Derived Decision Altitude (DDA) and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category, as appropriate, for factors that include Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs), inoperative aircraft or navigation equipment, or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment, etc.

Establish a stabilized descent to the appropriate altitude.

For the final approach segment, maintain no more than ¼ scale course deviation indicator (CDI) deflection, airspeed ±5 knots of selected value, and altitude above MDA +50/-0 feet [to the visual descent point (VDP) or missed approach point (MAP)].

Assess if the required visual references are available, and either initiate the missed approach procedure or continue for landing.

Use a Multi-Function Display (MFD) and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift and other parameters to maintain desired flightpath.

Procedures and limitations associated with a precision approach, including determining required descent rates and adjusting minimums in the case of inoperative equipment.

Navigation system displays, annunciations, and modes of operation.

Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity).

A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.

Deviating from the assigned approach procedure.

Selecting a navigation frequency.

Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.

Aircraft configuration during an approach and missed approach.

An unstable approach, including excessive descent rates.

Deteriorating weather conditions on approach.

Continuing to descend below the Decision Altitude (DA)/Decision Height (DH) when the required visual references are not visible.

Accomplish the precision instrument approaches selected by the evaluator.

Establish two-way communications with air traffic control (ATC) appropriate for the phase of flight or approach segment, and use proper communication phraseology.

Select, tune, identify, and confirm the operational status of navigation equipment to be used for the approach.

Comply in a timely manner with all clearances, instructions, and procedures.

Recognize if any flight instrumentation is inaccurate or inoperative, and take appropriate action.

Advise ATC or the evaluator if unable to comply with a clearance.

Conduct the approach briefing, coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) in a timely manner.

Establish the appropriate aircraft configuration and airspeed considering meteorological and operating conditions.

Maintain altitude ±100 feet, selected heading ±5°, airspeed ±10 knots, and accurately track radials, courses, and bearings, prior to beginning the final approach segment.

Adjust the published DA/DH and visibility criteria for the aircraft approach category, as appropriate, to account for NOTAMS, inoperative aircraft or navigation equipment, or inoperative visual aids associated with the landing environment.

Establish a predetermined rate of descent at the point where vertical guidance begins, which approximates that required for the aircraft to follow the vertical guidance.

Maintain a stabilized final approach from the Final Approach Fix (FAF) to DA/DH allowing no more than ¼-scale deflection of either the vertical or lateral guidance indications and maintain the desired airspeed ±5 knots.

Assess if the required visual references are available, and either initiate the missed approach procedure or continue for landing.

Use an MFD and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift and other parameters to maintain desired flightpath.

Elements related to the pilot’s responsibilities, and the environmental, operational, and meteorological factors that affect landing from a precision approach.

Approach lighting systems and runway and taxiway signs, markings, and lighting.

Appropriate landing profiles and aircraft configurations.

Selection of an approach procedure and runway based on aircraft limitations, available distance, surface conditions, and wind.

Wake turbulence.

Missed Approach.

Collision hazards.

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

Attempting to land from an unstable approach.

Flying below the glidepath.

Transitioning from instrument to visual references for landing.

Transition at the DA/DH to a visual flight condition, allowing for safe visual maneuvering and a normal landing.

Adhere to all ATC or evaluator advisories, such as NOTAMs, windshear, wake turbulence, runway surface, and other operational considerations.

Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) in a timely manner.

Maintain positive aircraft control throughout the landing maneuver.

Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.

Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.

Elements related to circling approach procedures and limitations, including approach categories and related airspeed restrictions.

Prescribed circling approach procedures.

Executing a circling approach at night or with marginal visibility.

Losing visual contact with an identifiable part of the airport.

Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.

Management of altitude, airspeed, or distance while circling.

Collision hazards.

Executing a missed approach after the MAP while circling.

Comply with the circling approach procedure considering turbulence, windshear, and the maneuvering capability and approach category of the aircraft.

Confirm the direction of traffic and adhere to all restrictions and instructions issued by ATC or the evaluator.

Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) in a timely manner.

Establish the approach and landing configuration. Maintain a stabilized approach and a descent rate that ensures arrival at the MDA, or the preselected circling altitude above the MDA, prior to the missed approach point.

Maintain airspeed ±5 knots, desired heading/track ±5°, and altitude +100/-0 feet until descending below the MDA or the preselected circling altitude above the MDA.

Visually maneuver to a base or downwind leg appropriate for the landing runway and environmental conditions.

If a missed approach occurs, turn in the appropriate direction using the correct procedure and appropriately configure the aircraft.

If landing, initiate a stabilized descent. Touch down on the first one-third of the selected runway without excessive maneuvering, without exceeding the normal operating limits of the aircraft, and without exceeding 30° of bank.

Elements related to missed approach procedures, including reference to standby or backup instruments.

Limitations associated with standard instrument approaches, including while using an FMS or autopilot, if equipped.

Deviations from prescribed procedures or ATC instructions.

Holding, diverting, or electing to fly the approach again.

Aircraft configuration during an approach and missed approach.

Factors that might lead to executing a missed approach procedure before the MAP or to a go-around below DA, DH, or MDA, as applicable.

Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.

Promptly initiate the missed approach procedure and report it to ATC.

Apply the appropriate power setting and aircraft configuration for the flight conditions to obtain the desired performance.

Configure the aircraft, if appropriate, and at a safe altitude, and establish a positive rate of climb and the appropriate airspeed/V-speed, ±5 knots.

Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate procedures and checklist(s) in a timely manner.

Comply with the published or alternate missed approach procedure.

Advise ATC or the evaluator if unable to comply with a clearance, restriction, or climb gradient.

Maintain the heading, course, or bearing ±5°, and altitude(s) ±100 feet during the missed approach procedure where applicable.

Use an MFD and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position and track to help navigate the missed approach.

Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.

Re-engage autopilot, if installed, at appropriate times during the missed approach procedure.

Request ATC clearance to attempt another approach, proceed to the alternate airport, holding fix, or other clearance limit, as appropriate, or as directed by the evaluator.

Elements related to holding procedures, including reporting criteria, appropriate speeds, and recommended entry procedures for standard, nonstandard, published, and non-published holding patterns.

Determining holding endurance based upon factors, including an expect further clearance (EFC) time, fuel on board, fuel flow while holding, fuel required to destination and alternate, etc., as appropriate.

When to declare minimum fuel or a fuel-related emergency.

Use of automation for holding, including autopilot and flight management systems, if equipped.

Recalculating fuel reserves if assigned an unanticipated expect further clearance (EFC) time.

Scenarios and circumstances that could result in minimum fuel or the need to declare an emergency.

Scenarios that could lead to holding, including deteriorating weather at the planned destination.

Holding entry and wind correction while holding.

Holding while in icing conditions.

Automation management.

Correctly identify instrument navigation aids associated with the assigned hold.

Use an entry procedure appropriate for a standard, nonstandard, published, or non-published holding pattern.

Change to the appropriate holding airspeed for the aircraft and holding altitude to cross the holding fix at or below maximum holding airspeed.

Comply with the holding pattern leg length and other restrictions, if applicable, associated with the holding pattern.

Comply with ATC reporting requirements.

Use proper wind correction procedures to maintain the desired pattern and to arrive over the fix as close as possible to a specified time.

Maintain specified airspeed ±10 knots, altitude ±100 feet, headings ±10°, and accurately track a selected course, radial, or bearing.

If available, use automation, including autopilot, flight director controls, and navigation displays associated with the assigned hold.

Update fuel reserve calculations based on EFC times.