CPL CPL Instrument Flight Rules and Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During an ILS approach, you notice the glideslope indicator becomes unreliable below 1,000 ft AGL. You should:
- Continue the approach using localizer only and apply LOC-only minimums (Correct answer)
- Continue to the published DA as the glideslope may recover
- Immediately execute a missed approach
- Switch to the VOR approach for the same runway
Correct answer: Continue the approach using localizer only and apply LOC-only minimums
If the glideslope fails below 1,000 ft, you may continue as a localizer-only approach and apply LOC minimums, provided all other requirements are met.
Question 2: What is the function of a holding pattern during IFR operations?
- To provide traffic separation while awaiting approach clearance or clearance to proceed (Correct answer)
- To allow the pilot to perform an engine run-up at altitude
- To establish positive radar contact before entering the terminal area
- To transition from IFR to VFR flight conditions
Correct answer: To provide traffic separation while awaiting approach clearance or clearance to proceed
A holding pattern is a predetermined maneuver used to keep an aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further clearance or a sequence for approach.
Question 3: What is the standard holding pattern entry used when arriving from a direction that puts the fix on the pilot's right side within the 70° sector?
- Direct entry
- Parallel entry
- Teardrop entry (Correct answer)
- Offset entry
Correct answer: Teardrop entry
A teardrop entry is used when approaching from within 70° on the non-holding side (the inbound course extended), allowing a smooth re-entry onto the holding course.
Question 4: Which altimetry system setting should a commercial pilot use when flying IFR above 18,000 ft MSL (Class A airspace)?
- Local station altimeter setting
- 29.92 in Hg (standard pressure) (Correct answer)
- Nearest ARTCC altimeter setting
- Destination airport altimeter setting
Correct answer: 29.92 in Hg (standard pressure)
At and above 18,000 ft MSL (FL180), all aircraft must set altimeters to standard pressure of 29.92 in Hg per FAR 91.121.
Question 5: What is a 'Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA)' and how does it differ from the MEA?
- MOCA provides obstacle clearance but may not guarantee navaid reception beyond 22 NM from the station (Correct answer)
- MOCA guarantees both obstacle clearance and navaid reception like the MEA
- MOCA applies only within Class B airspace
- MOCA is used only for VFR operations on airways
Correct answer: MOCA provides obstacle clearance but may not guarantee navaid reception beyond 22 NM from the station
MOCA ensures obstacle clearance along the entire airway segment but guarantees navigation signal reception only within 22 NM of the navaid, unlike the MEA which ensures signal coverage throughout.
Question 6: Under IFR, if radio communication failure occurs in VMC, a pilot should:
- Continue IFR to the destination and land as soon as practical
- Land as soon as practical
- Squawk 7600 and continue IFR
- Squawk 7600, continue to the destination in VMC, land, and notify ATC (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Squawk 7600, continue to the destination in VMC, land, and notify ATC
FAR 91.185 states that in VMC during a two-way radio failure, the pilot should squawk 7600 and continue under VFR, land as soon as practical, and notify ATC.
CPL CPL Instrument Flight Rules and Procedures 2
During an ILS approach, you notice the glideslope indicator becomes unreliable below 1,000 ft AGL.
You should: