Instrument Rating Syllabus

Stage 1: Navigation Systems, Holding, and Approach Procedures

Objective: To review navigation by reference to instruments and to introduce the student to
instrument flight operations, including instrument navigation systems, holding procedures, and
instrument approach procedures.
Completion Standards:
● The student must complete at least 8 hours of ground training with a MyFlight instructor
covering at least the topics listed below.
● Prior to completion of Stage 1, students must pass a stage check to evaluate their
ground knowledge and understanding of:
1. Operation and common failure modes of flight instruments, including the
pitot-static system, gyroscopic/electric instruments, magnetic compass, and
vacuum systems.
2. Characteristics of VOR, DME, and NDB equipment, including orientation, course
determination, equipment, required checks, regulations, and common failure
modes.
3. Holding procedures, including purpose, reporting criteria, recommended entry
procedures, holding speeds, and wind correction.
4. Symbology found on IFR enroute and approach charts and diagrams.
5. Procedures and limitations associated with non-precision approaches, precision
approaches, missed approach procedures, circling approaches, and landing from
an instrument approach.
● Prior to completion of Stage 1, students must pass a stage check to evaluate their flying
ability to:
1. Perform an adequate preflight inspection of installed flight instruments, avionics,
and navigation equipment by following the appropriate checklist and determine
the aircraft is in a condition safe for instrument flight.
2. Control the aircraft solely by reference to instruments in straight and level flight,
constant rate/airspeed climbs and descents, and turns to headings while
maintaining altitude +/- 150 feet, heading +/- 15 degrees, and airspeed +/- 15
knots.
3. Comply with instrument approach procedures, establish the appropriate
configuration, and maintain altitude +/- 200 feet, heading +/- 20 degrees,
airspeed +/- 20 knots, and never allow full deflection of the CDI, glideslope, or
localizer indications.
4. During non-precision approaches, establish a stabilized approach profile with a
rate of descent that will ensure arrival at the MDA prior to reaching the missed
approach point. Maintain the MDA when reached +200/-0 feet to the missed
approach point.
 5. Transition at the decision altitude or MDA toa visual flight condition, allowing for
safe visual maneuvering and a normal landing. Maintain positive aircraft control
throughout the landing maneuver.
6. During circling approaches, maneuver the aircraft after reaching the MDA on a
flight path that will permit a normal landing on a runway. Maintain altitude +200/-0
feet until a descent to a normal landing can be made.
7. Initiate a missed approach upon reaching the missed approach point or decision
altitude when the required visual references are not available. Comply with
published missed approach procedures and maintain recommended airspeed
+/-20 knots, heading or course +/-20 degrees, and altitude +/-200 feet during the
missed approach procedure.
8. Intercept a DME arc and maintain that arc within +/-1 nautical mile while
maintaining altitude +/-200 feet, and airspeed +/-20 knots.
9. Conduct holding procedures, use an entry that ensures the aircraft remains within
the holding pattern airspace, use proper wind correction, and maintain airspeed
+/-20 knots, altitude +/-200 feet, headings +/-20 degrees, and never allow
full-scale deflection of the CDI.

Notes:
● Lessons may be completed in any order necessary to meet goals set by the instructor
and student. Flight and ground lessons may happen concurrently as the instructor
deems necessary.
● Multiple instructional periods may be required to meet the lesson objective.
● The line items listed in the lessons below are recommended topics to be covered to
sufficiently meet the objective of each lesson. Instructors may elaborate on each topic at
their discretion.
● Instructors may review any lessons from the Private Pilot Syllabus to ensure students
are proficient with aircraft operation and procedures.
● Any solo time necessary to meet the aeronautical experience required is to be
conducted when the student’s schedule allows. Instructors are not required to determine
when students should and should not build time.
Ground Lesson A - Flight Instruments, BAI, and Partial Panel
Objective: To review operation of the flight instruments and basic attitude instrument flying and
to introduce instrument errors, failures, and partial panel operations.

➢ Gyroscopic Instruments Operation, Errors, and Checks

➢ Pitot-Static Instruments Operation, Errors, and Checks
➢ Magnetic Compass Operations, Limitations, and Errors
➢ Scan Techniques
➢ Scan Errors
➢ Straight and Level Flight
➢ Constant Airspeed Climbs and Descents
➢ Constant Rate Climbs and Descents
➢ Unusual Attitudes
➢ Pre-Takeoff Instrument Check
➢ Instrument Failures
➢ Partial Panel Flight
➢ Compass Turns/Timed Turns to Headings
➢ Autopilot

Ground Lesson B - Instrument Navigation Systems

Objective: To review basic operation of VOR and GPS navigation systems and to introduce the
student to NDB operations, DME, and required VOR equipment checks.

➢ GPS Operation and Navigation

➢ VOR Operation and Navigation
➢ VOR Checks (FAR 91.171)
➢ DME Operations and Errors
➢ Tuning and Identifying Navigation Facilities
➢ ADF/NDB Operations and Errors
➢ NDB - Orientation, Homing, Bearing, Intercept, and Tracking

Ground Lesson C - Holding Procedures and DME Arcs

Objective: To introduce the student to holding procedures and DME Arcs.

➢ Holding Procedures
➢ Holding Instructions
➢ Standard Holding Pattern (With and Without Wind)
➢ Holding Procedures - Crosswind Correction
➢ Standard Entry Procedures (Direct, Parallel, Teardrop)
➢ VOR Holding
➢ DME Holding
 ➢ Intersection Holding
➢ GPS Waypoint Holding
➢ NDB Holding
➢ DME Arcs

Ground Lesson D - Low Altitude Enroute Charts

Objective: To introduce the student to the symbology and use of IFR Low Altitude Enroute
charts.

➢ IFR Low Altitude Enroute Chart

➢ Chart Symbology
➢ Navigational Aids
➢ Victor Airways
➢ Airports
➢ Airport Data
➢ Communication
➢ Airspace
➢ IFR Altitudes

Ground Lesson E - Intro to Instrument Approach Procedures

Objective: To introduce the student to instrument approach procedures and approach charts.

➢ Instrument Approach Procedure - General

➢ Approach Segments
➢ Instrument Approach Charts
➢ Approach Plate Symbology
➢ Approach Procedures - Preparing for the Approach
➢ Approach Procedures - Approach Clearance
➢ Approach Procedures - Approaches which Require a Course Reversal
➢ Approach Procedures - Radar Vectors to the Approach
➢ Approach Procedures - Final Approach
➢ Approach Procedures - Approach to Landing Minimums
➢ Approach Procedures - Missed Approach Procedures
➢ Approach Procedures - Straight-In Approaches
➢ Approach Procedures - Circling Approaches
➢ Approach Procedures - Visual and Contact Approaches
➢ Landing from an Instrument Approach
Ground Lesson F - Non-Precision Approaches
Objective: To introduce the student to non-precision approach procedures.

➢ Approach Procedures - Non-Precision Approaches

➢ Approach Procedures - VOR
➢ Approach Procedures - VOR/DME
➢ Approach Procedures - NDB (ADF)
➢ VOR and NDB Approaches: Off-Airport and On-Airport Facilities
➢ Approach Procedures - RNAV
➢ Visual Descent Points
➢ Minimum Descent Altitude

Ground Lesson G - Precision Approaches

Objective: To introduce the student to precision approach procedures, localizer approaches,
and radar approaches.

➢ Approach Procedures - Precision Approaches

➢ Decision Altitude
➢ Approach Procedures - ILS
➢ ILS Approaches - Components
➢ Marker Beacon Receiver/Indicators
➢ Approach Procedures - Localizer Front Course
➢ Approach Procedures - Localizer Back Course
➢ ILS Approaches - Inoperative Components
➢ WAAS - General Requirements
➢ WAAS - Instrument Approach Capabilities
➢ RNAV Approach Minimums (LPV, LNAV/VNAV, etc.)
➢ Approach Procedures - LPV
➢ Approach Procedures - ASR
➢ Approach Procedures - PAR
➢ Approach Procedures - No Gyro Radar Vectoring (PAR/ASR)

Ground Lesson H - Stage 1 Oral Check

Objective: To evaluate the student on the knowledge areas included in Stage 1.
Completion Standard: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge areas
included in Stage 1 and will meet the applicable module completion standards.

➢ Flight Instruments (Operation, Errors, and Checks)

➢ Aircraft Navigation Equipment
➢ IFR Low Altitude Enroute Chart
➢ Holding Procedures
 ➢ Non-Precision Approach Procedures
➢ Precision Approach Procedures

Flight Lesson A - Basic Attitude Instrument

Objective: To practice attitude instrument flying.

➢ Instrument Cockpit Check

➢ Basic Attitude Instrument Flying
➢ Straight and Level Flight
➢ Turns to a Heading
➢ Constant Rate Climbs
➢ Constant Rate Descents
➢ Constant Airspeed Climbs
➢ Constant Airspeed Descents
➢ Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes

Flight Lesson B - Partial Panel Operations

Objective: To practice basic attitude instrument flying and to introduce the student to partial
panel operations.

➢ Instrument Cockpit Check

➢ Basic Attitude Instrument Flying
➢ Partial Panel - Straight and Level Flight
➢ Partial Panel - Standard Rate Turns
➢ Partial Panel - Change of Airspeed
➢ Partial Panel - Constant Rate Climb
➢ Partial Panel - Constant Rate Descent
➢ Partial Panel - Constant Airspeed Climb
➢ Partial Pane - Constant Airspeed Descent
➢ Partial Panel - Compass Turns
➢ Partial Panel - Timed Turns to Magnetic Headings
➢ Partial Panel - Unusual Attitude Recovery

Flight Lesson C - Instrument Navigation Systems

Objective: To practice the use of VOR and GPS navigation equipment in instrument conditions,
both full panel and partial panel.

➢ Instrument Cockpit Check

➢ VOR Orientation
➢ VOR Navigation - Tracking, Intercepting, Station Passage
➢ GPS Navigation and Orientation
 ➢ Partial Panel Operations

Flight Lesson D - Holding Procedures

Objective: To practice holding entries and procedures.

➢ Instrument Cockpit Check

➢ Intercepting and Tracking Navigation Systems
➢ Holding Procedures - ATC Holding Instructions
➢ Holding Procedures - Direct Entry
➢ Holding Procedures - Teardrop Entry
➢ Holding Procedures - Parallel Entry
➢ Holding Procedures - Outbound and Inbound Timing
➢ Holding Procedures - Crosswind Correction
➢ VOR Holding
➢ Intersection Holding
➢ GPS Waypoint Holding
➢ DME Arcs

Flight Lesson E - Non-Precision Instrument Approach Procedures

Objective: To introduce the student to non-precision instrument approach procedures.

➢ Approach Procedures - Approach Clearance

➢ Approach Procedures - VOR
➢ Approach Procedures - GPS
➢ Approach Procedures - Approaches which Require a Course Reversal
➢ Approach Procedures - Radar Vectors to the Approach
➢ Approach Procedures - Missed Approach Procedure
➢ Landing from Straight-In or Circling Approach Procedure

Flight Lesson F - Instrument Approach Procedures

Objective: To introduce precision approach procedures and to practice non-precision
approaches.

➢ Approach Procedures - ILS

➢ Approach Procedures - LPV
➢ Approach Procedures - VOR
➢ Approach Procedures - Missed Approach Procedure
➢ Approach Procedures - Circling Approaches
➢ Landing from a Straight-In or Circling Approach
➢ Holding Procedures
Flight Lesson G - Mock Stage Check
Objective: To review maneuvers and procedures as necessary to prepare the student for the
Stage 1 flight check.

➢ Instrument Cockpit Check

➢ Flight by Reference to Instruments
➢ Approach Procedures - ILS
➢ Approach Procedures - VOR
➢ Approach Procedures - GPS
➢ Approach Procedures - Circling Approaches
➢ Approach Procedures - Missed Approach Procedure
➢ Landing from a Straight-In or Circling Approach
➢ Holding Procedures
➢ DME Arcs

Flight Lesson H - Stage 1 Flight Check

Objective: To evaluate the student in all required flight tasks included in Stage 1.
Completion Standard: The student will demonstrate all required tasks and will meet the
applicable stage completion standards.

➢ Instrument Cockpit Check

➢ Flight by Reference to Instruments
➢ Approach Procedures - ILS
➢ Approach Procedures - VOR
➢ Approach Procedures - GPS
➢ Approach Procedures - Circling Approach
➢ Approach Procedures - Missed Approach Procedure
➢ Landing from a Straight-In and Circling Approach
➢ Holding Procedures
➢ DME Arcs
 Stage 2: Instrument Cross-Country and Partial Panel Operations
Objective: To Introduce IFR cross-country and partial panel operations and to complete the
aeronautical knowledge and flight training required to prepare students to pass the Instrument
Rating Airplane Knowledge and Practical Exams.
Completion Standards:
● The student must meet the following minimum training time requirements during this
stage:
1. All ground training in accordance with 61.65(b).
2. A minimum of 10 hours of ground training with a MyFlight instructor throughout
the Instrument Rating Course.
3. All aeronautical experience listed in 61.65(d).
● Prior to completion of the stage, students must pass the FAA Instrument Rating
Knowledge Exam.
● Prior to completion of the stage, students must pass a stage check to evaluate their
ability to:
1. Demonstrate all applicable Tasks as specified in the Instrument Rating Airplane
Airmen Certification Standards within the established standards.
2. Demonstrate mastery of the aircraft by performing each Task successfully.
3. Demonstrate proficiency and competency in accordance with standards.
4. Demonstrate sound judgment and exercise aeronautical decision making and risk
management.

Notes:
● Lessons may be completed in any order necessary to meet goals set by the instructor
and student. Flight and ground lessons may happen concurrently as the instructor
deems necessary.
● Multiple instructional periods may be required to meet the lesson objective.
● The line items listed in the lessons below are recommended topics to be covered to
sufficiently meet the objective of each lesson. Instructors may elaborate on each topic at
their discretion.
● Instructors may review any lessons from the Private Pilot Syllabus to ensure students
are proficient with aircraft operation and procedures.
● Any solo time necessary to meet the aeronautical experience required is to be
conducted when the student’s schedule allows. Instructors are not required to determine
when students should and should not build time.
Ground Lesson I - Instrument Departure and Arrival Procedures
Objective: To introduce the student to IFR departure and arrival procedures.

➢ Departure Procedures
➢ Standard Instrument Departure Procedures
➢ Obstacle Departure Procedures
➢ Radar Departures
➢ Takeoff Minimums
➢ VFR Departures
➢ Standard Terminal Arrival Routes

Ground Lesson J - ATC Clearances and Procedures

Objective: To introduce the student to IFR air traffic control clearance and procedures.

➢ ATC Clearances
➢ ATC Clearance Delivery
➢ Methods of Obtaining IFR Clearances
➢ Void Time Clearance
➢ VFR on Top Clearance
➢ Cruise Clearance
➢ Required and Recommended ATC Reports
➢ Aircraft Position Reports

Ground Lesson K - IFR Cross-Country Operations

Objective: To introduce the student to IFR cross-country planning and operations.

➢ IFR Cross-Country Planning

➢ IFR Cross-Country Procedures
➢ Methods of Filing IFR Flight Plans
➢ Closing an IFR Flight Plan
➢ IFR Navigation Log
➢ IFR Cruising Altitude
➢ Preferred IFR Routes
➢ Alternate Airport Requirements
➢ Alternate Minimums
➢ Notices to Airmen
Ground Lesson L - IFR Systems and Abnormal Procedures
Objective: To introduce the student to IFR systems and abnormal procedures, including icing
considerations, instrument failures and illusions, and lost communication procedures.

➢ Instrument Failures
➢ Partial Panel Operations
➢ Pitot-Static System Blockages
➢ Vestibular and Visual Illusions
➢ Encountering Icing Conditions
➢ Aircraft Structural Icing
➢ Tailplane Icing
➢ Engine Induction Icing
➢ Aircraft Anti-Icing Systems
➢ Aircraft Deicing Systems
➢ Reporting Equipment Failures and Malfunctions to ATC

Ground Lesson M - Weather

Objective: To discuss weather reports, forecasts, and weather theory applicable to the
instrument environment.

➢ Air Masses and Fronts

➢ Moisture, Cloud Formation, and Precipitation
➢ Types of Fog
➢ Thunderstorms
➢ Microburst
➢ Windshear Avoidance
➢ Weather Reports and Forecasts
➢ Surface Analysis Charts
➢ Significant Weather Prognostics
➢ Winds and Temperatures Aloft
➢ Freezing Level Charts
➢ SIGMETs and AIRMETs

Ground Lesson N - Instrument Regulations

Objective: To introduce the student to regulations applicable to instrument flight, including IFR
pilot qualifications.

➢ Applicable Regulations for IFR Flight Operations

➢ Pilot Qualification
➢ Instrument Rating Recent Flight Experience Requirements
➢ Instrument Proficiency Check
 ➢ Pilot Logbook/Flight Record Keeping
➢ Required Equipment for IFR Flight
➢ Aircraft Airworthiness and Required Inspections

Ground Lesson O - Stage 2 Oral Check

Objective: To evaluate the student on the knowledge areas included in Stage 1 and 2 according
to the Airmen Certification Standards.
Completion Standard: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge areas
included in Stage 1 and 2 and will meet the applicable stage completion standards and Airmen
Certification Standards.

➢ Pilot Qualifications
➢ Weather Information
➢ Cross-Country Flight Planning
➢ Aircraft Systems Related to IFR Operations
➢ Aircraft Flight Instruments and Navigation Equipment
➢ Instrument Cockpit Check
➢ Air Traffic Control Clearances
➢ Holding Procedures
➢ Flight by Reference to Instruments
➢ Compliance with Departure, En Route, and Arrival Clearances
➢ Instrument Approach Procedures
➢ Emergency Operations

Flight Lesson I - IFR Cross-Country/Long Cross-Country

Objective: To introduce the student to IFR cross-country operations.

➢ IFR Cross-Country Planning

➢ Air Traffic Control Clearances and Procedures
➢ IFR Departure Procedures
➢ IFR En Route Procedures
➢ Approach Procedures - VOR
➢ Approach Procedures - GPS
➢ Approach Procedures - ILS
➢ Approach Procedures - Localizer Front Course
➢ Approach Procedures - Localizer Back Course
➢ Holding Procedures
➢ Landing from a Straight-In or Circling Approach
Flight Lesson J - Partial Panel Navigation and Holding
Objective: To practice partial panel operations and navigation, including partial panel holding
procedures.

➢ Straight and Level Flight

➢ Constant Airspeed Climbs and Descents
➢ Constant Rate Climb and Descents
➢ Compass Turns
➢ Timed Turns to Magnetic Headings
➢ VOR Navigation
➢ GPS Navigation
➢ Holding Procedures

Flight Lesson K - Partial Panel Approaches

Objective: To introduce the student to partial panel instrument approaches.

➢ VOR Approaches
➢ GPS Approaches
➢ ILS Approaches
➢ Holding Procedures

Flight Lesson L - Review for Practical Test

Objective: To review all maneuvers and procedures necessary to prepare for the student for the
Instrument Rating Airplane Practical Test.

➢ Instrument Flight Deck Check

➢ Compliance with Air Traffic Control Clearances and Procedures
➢ Holding Procedures
➢ Basic Instrument Flight Maneuvers
➢ Recovery from Unusual Attitudes
➢ Intercepting and Tracking Navigational Systems
➢ DME Arcs
➢ Compliance with Departure, En Route, and Arrival Procedures
➢ VOR Approach Procedures
➢ GPS Approach Procedures
➢ ILS Approach Procedures
➢ LPV Approach Procedures
➢ Missed Approach Procedures
➢ Circling Approaches
➢ Landing from a Straight-In or Circling Approach Procedure
➢ Loss of Communications
 ➢ Partial Panel Approaches

Ground Lesson M - Stage 2 Flight Check

Objective: To evaluate the student according to the Instrument Rating Airmen Certification
Standards and to determine whether the student is prepared to pass the Instrument Rating
Practical Test.
Completion Standard: The student will meet all standards of knowledge, judgment, and skill as
specified in the Instrument Rating Airplane Airmen Certification Standards for the issuance of an
Instrument Rating.

➢ Instrument Flight Deck Check

➢ Compliance with Air Traffic Control Clearances and Procedures
➢ Holding Procedures
➢ Basic Instrument Flight Maneuvers
➢ Recovery from Unusual Attitudes
➢ Intercepting and Tracking Navigational Systems
➢ DME Arcs
➢ Compliance with Departure, En Route, and Arrival Procedures
➢ VOR Approach Procedures
➢ GPS Approach Procedures
➢ ILS Approach Procedures
➢ LPV Approach Procedures
➢ Missed Approach Procedures
➢ Circling Approaches
➢ Landing from a Straight-In or Circling Approach Procedure
➢ Loss of Communications
➢ Partial Panel Approaches