Stage II Practice Questions

1. What five elements should be recorded in an IFR clearance?

C - Clearance limit; R - Route; A - Altitude; F - Frequency; T - Transponder code.

2. Given a holding clearance and inbound course, draw the hold and select an entry.

Standard Hold: Right turns. Non-Standard Hold: Left turns. Entry Sectors: Direct, Parallel, or Teardrop entry based on heading relative to holding pattern.

3. What is the difference between a clearance limit and a clearance void time?

Clearance Limit: The fix, point, or airport cleared to. Clearance Void Time: The exact time the clearance becomes void if not airborne (must advise ATC within 30 minutes if missed).

4. How do ODPs, SIDs and STARs differ?

ODP: Obstacle Departure Procedure for obstacle clearance (flown without ATC clearance if published). SID: Standard Instrument Departure to expedite traffic flow and ensure obstacle clearance (requires ATC clearance). STAR: Standard Terminal Arrival Route linking en route fixes to a terminal area/airport.

5. What is the difference between an MEA and MOCA?

MEA (Minimum Enroute Altitude): Guarantees signal coverage and obstacle clearance along the entire segment. MOCA (Minimum Obstacle Clearance Altitude): Guarantees obstacle clearance, but navigation signal coverage is only guaranteed within 22 NM of a VOR.

6. Locate the FAF, MAP, DA/MDA and missed approach instructions on a supplied chart.

FAF: Indicated by Maltese cross on profile view. MAP: Point where missed approach begins if runway isn't in sight (time, DME, or DA). DA/MDA: Decision Altitude (precision/LPV) or Minimum Descent Altitude (non-precision). Missed Approach Instructions: Bold text box at bottom of profile/plan view.

7. Compare ILS, LPV and LNAV minimums.

ILS: Precision approach with lateral and vertical guidance down to very low decision altitudes (e.g., 200 ft AGL). LPV: WAAS-enabled RNAV approach with precision-like lateral and vertical guidance comparable to an ILS. LNAV: Non-precision lateral-only approach flown down to an MDA with higher minimums.

8. When may a pilot descend below DA/MDA?

When (1) aircraft is in a continuous position to land using normal maneuvers, (2) flight visibility is not less than prescribed minimums, and (3) distinct visual references for the runway (e.g., threshold, touchdown zone, lights, VASI/PAPI) are visible.

9. Explain the procedure after receiving vectors to final.

Maintain last assigned altitude and heading until instructed by ATC, intercept the final approach course, and maintain situational awareness regarding altitude, airspeed, and checklists.

10. What changes when two-way radio communication is lost in IMC?

Route (C-E-A-F): Assigned, Expected, Filed, Vectored. Altitude (Highest of A-M-E): MEA, Expected, Assigned. Clearance Limit: Proceed to approach fix at EFC time or ETA.

11. How do you determine whether an alternate is required?

The 1-2-3 Rule: If from 1 hour before to 1 hour after ETA, the ceiling is forecast to be less than 2,000 feet OR visibility is less than 3 statute miles.

12. Walk through an IFR flight from filing to landing, identifying each ATC phase.

1. Pre-flight/Filing -> 2. Clearance Delivery -> 3. Ground/Taxi -> 4. Departure -> 5. En Route -> 6. Arrival -> 7. Approach -> 8. Landing/Taxi to Ramp.