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Free FAA Instrument Rating Practice Test Online

Official exam: FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)

Take a free FAA Instrument Rating practice test online: a full 60-question paper with every answer explained, no sign-up, scored by topic. The full 240-question bank and the timed simulator are $14.99 for 30 days.

First published: September 2, 2026Bank updated: September 2, 2026Published by CertQuestUSA ยท review process
TL;DR

FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA): a 240-question practice bank for the real FAA Aviation Certification standard, 4 full papers of 60 questions each with no repeats, every question written to the regulation it comes from.

Where these questions come from

Every question in this bank cites a source -- primarily AIM (41%) and 14 CFR (25%) of this exam's citations.

Take a full practice test free. 60 real questions built to the exam's domain weights, every answer explained, no sign-up required, with a domain-by-domain score at the end.
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4
full papers, no repeats
60
questions per paper
240
questions in the bank
What this exam covers
5 real sample questions
Unless otherwise published or instructed, what maximum holding airspeed applies at 6,000 feet MSL?
A. 180 KIAS
B. 200 KIAS
C. 230 KIAS
D. 265 KIAS
Show answer and reasoning

Correct answer: C. 230 KIAS

The standard maximum holding speed at 6,000 feet MSL and below is 200 KIAS. The 230-KIAS band begins above 6,000 feet through 14,000 feet, and 265 KIAS applies above 14,000 feet.

  • A: 180 KIAS is not the standard maximum for this altitude band.
  • B: Although 200 KIAS is the applicable value, it is listed in option C, not option B.
  • D: 265 KIAS applies only above 14,000 feet.
Source: AIM 5-3, maximum holding airspeeds
Which experience must a pilot generally have accomplished within the six calendar months preceding the month of an IFR flight to act as PIC under IFR?
A. Six instrument approaches plus holding procedures and intercepting and tracking courses through navigation systems
B. Six hours of actual instrument time and one instrument approach
C. One instrument proficiency check and three instrument approaches
D. Six takeoffs and landings in actual instrument conditions
Show answer and reasoning

Correct answer: A. Six instrument approaches plus holding procedures and intercepting and tracking courses through navigation systems

Under 14 CFR 61.57(c), instrument recency generally requires six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigation systems within the six calendar months preceding the month of flight.

  • B: The regulation specifies task experience, not a six-hour actual-instrument minimum.
  • C: An IPC is a restoration path when required, not part of the ordinary six-month experience set.
  • D: Takeoffs and landings do not substitute for the listed instrument recency tasks.
Source: 14 CFR 61.57(c)(1)
A pilot performs instrument approaches in a single-engine airplane under a view-limiting device to maintain instrument recency. What is required while the pilot's outside vision is restricted?
A. An instrument instructor must occupy a rear seat
B. A qualified safety pilot must occupy the other control seat and have adequate forward and side vision
C. The flight must operate on an IFR clearance in instrument meteorological conditions
D. Only an autopilot with altitude hold is required
Show answer and reasoning

Correct answer: B. A qualified safety pilot must occupy the other control seat and have adequate forward and side vision

Section 91.109(c) requires a safety pilot at the other control seat when simulated instrument flight restricts the manipulating pilot's view. The safety pilot must hold at least a private pilot certificate with the appropriate category and class ratings and have adequate vision forward and to each side.

  • A: A flight instructor is not universally required for simulated-instrument recency practice.
  • C: Simulated instrument experience may be conducted in VMC; an IFR clearance and actual IMC are not prerequisites.
  • D: An autopilot does not satisfy the required safety-pilot protection.
Source: 14 CFR 91.109(c)
The supplied log shows a pilot completed the sixth required instrument approach, holding, and course interception/tracking on March 10, 2026. Assuming no later instrument experience, through what date does that experience satisfy the ordinary six-calendar-month recency window?
A. September 10, 2026
B. August 31, 2026
C. September 30, 2026
D. October 31, 2026
Show answer and reasoning

Correct answer: C. September 30, 2026

The rule uses the six calendar months preceding the month of flight. Experience completed in March 2026 supports ordinary instrument recency through the final day of September 2026; it does not expire on the anniversary day.

  • A: This treats calendar months as an exact date-to-date interval.
  • B: This counts only five full calendar months after March.
  • D: October lies outside the ordinary six-calendar-month window based solely on the March experience.
Source: 14 CFR 61.57(c)(1)
A pilot is legally instrument-current but has flown only in a simulator during the past five months. The planned flight involves a night approach near published minimums in gusty winds. What is the best risk-management decision?
A. Depart because legal currency proves proficiency for every IFR condition
B. File a lower alternate minimum so the flight remains legal
C. Rely on the autopilot and defer all hand-flying until decision altitude
D. Obtain recent, condition-relevant practice or instruction and use conservative personal minimums before attempting the flight
Show answer and reasoning

Correct answer: D. Obtain recent, condition-relevant practice or instruction and use conservative personal minimums before attempting the flight

Currency is a regulatory floor, not proof of proficiency for demanding conditions. The pilot should assess recent experience against the actual night, wind, and low-ceiling demands, seek practice or instruction, and apply personal minimums rather than treating legal currency as sufficient.

  • A: Legal recency does not establish proficiency in all operational conditions.
  • B: A pilot cannot make an unsuitable flight safer by inventing a lower alternate criterion.
  • C: Automation does not eliminate monitoring, hand-flying, or loss-of-control risk and should not substitute for proficiency.
Source: Area I, Task A, IR.I.A.R1-R2
Real-world data for this exam
Commercial Pilots: real median wageMay 2025$123,220/yr

Frequently asked questions

Where can I take a free FAA Instrument Rating practice test online?
Right here. CertQuestUSA's free FAA Instrument Rating practice test online is a full 60-question practice paper built to the real exam's domain weights, with every answer explained, with no sign-up and no credit card, and shows your score by topic at the end. The full 240-question bank, with every answer explained and cited to the regulation it comes from, is $14.99 for a 30-day pass that never renews.
How many questions are on the CertQuestUSA FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) practice test?
240 questions total, split into 4 full papers of 60 each with no repeats across papers.
What topics does the FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) test cover?
8 domains, with the heaviest weight on Preflight Preparation (25%), Instrument Approach Procedures (23%), and Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearances and Procedures (13%).
Where do CertQuestUSA's FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) questions come from?
Primarily AIM (41%) and 14 CFR (25%) of this bank's citations -- computed directly from this exam's own question sources, not a generic description.
Is there a free FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) practice test?
Yes -- one full 60-question practice paper built to the exam's domain weights, free with no sign-up, with every answer explained and a domain-by-domain score at the end.
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