FAA Aviation Flight Instrument Rating 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an instrument approach, the pilot notices the attitude indicator shows a slight bank while the turn coordinator and heading are stable in level flight. What should the pilot suspect?
- A failed attitude indicator (Correct answer)
- A blocked pitot tube
- A clogged static port
- Normal precession of the heading indicator
Correct answer: A failed attitude indicator
Disagreement between the attitude indicator and other instruments showing stable level flight indicates a failing or failed attitude indicator (gyro).
Question 2: What is the primary instrument for pitch during a stabilized straight-and-level cruise?
- Altimeter (Correct answer)
- Attitude indicator
- Vertical speed indicator
- Airspeed indicator
Correct answer: Altimeter
In stabilized straight-and-level flight the altimeter is the primary pitch instrument because it shows a constant value to maintain.
Question 3: An IFR flight plan requires an alternate airport. Under the standard 1-2-3 rule, an alternate is required if, within 1 hour of ETA, the ceiling is less than what value?
- 2,000 feet (Correct answer)
- 1,000 feet
- 1,500 feet
- 3,000 feet
Correct answer: 2,000 feet
The 1-2-3 rule requires an alternate unless the forecast ceiling is at least 2,000 feet and visibility at least 3 statute miles.
Question 4: What does a 'standard rate turn' produce in degrees per second?
- 3 degrees per second (Correct answer)
- 1.5 degrees per second
- 6 degrees per second
- 2 degrees per second
Correct answer: 3 degrees per second
A standard rate turn is 3 degrees per second, completing a 360-degree turn in two minutes.
Question 5: While holding, the pilot crosses the fix and the depicted holding pattern is a standard pattern. Which direction are the turns?
- Right turns (Correct answer)
- Left turns
- Alternating turns
- No turns until established
Correct answer: Right turns
A standard holding pattern uses right turns; nonstandard patterns (left turns) must be charted or assigned by ATC.
Question 6: If the pitot tube becomes blocked but the static port remains clear during a climb, the airspeed indicator will behave like what?
- An altimeter, increasing with altitude (Correct answer)
- A vertical speed indicator
- It freezes at zero
- It reads correctly
Correct answer: An altimeter, increasing with altitude
A blocked pitot tube with a clear drain hole acts like an altimeter, so indicated airspeed increases as the aircraft climbs.
Question 7: What is the maximum holding speed for aircraft at or below 6,000 feet MSL?
- 200 KIAS (Correct answer)
- 230 KIAS
- 175 KIAS
- 265 KIAS
Correct answer: 200 KIAS
The maximum holding airspeed at or below 6,000 feet MSL is 200 KIAS.
FAA Aviation Flight Instrument Rating 2
During an instrument approach, the pilot notices the attitude indicator shows a slight bank while the turn coordinator and heading are stable in level flight.
What should the pilot suspect?