Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards - Airplane (Instrument ACS)
The Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for Airplane, FAA-S-ACS-8C, is the free document that defines the knowledge, risk management, and skill standards for the Instrument Rating practical test. It covers IFR flight planning, navigation, approaches, holds, and emergency operations under instrument meteorological conditions. Download it at no cost from FAA.gov.
Why This Document Matters
The Instrument Rating ACS is your blueprint for the instrument checkride. Like the Private Pilot ACS, it defines Areas of Operation and Tasks with specific knowledge, risk management, and skill standards. The instrument checkride is widely considered more challenging than the private, so thorough preparation using the ACS is essential. Each Task lists exactly what the DPE will evaluate, from holding pattern entries to precision and nonprecision approaches to partial-panel operations.
Study This Document in One Loop
What is the Study Loop?A 30-60 minute scenario-first session that replaces hours of passive reading.
Scenario
Decision
Targeted Learning
Open only these sections of the Instrument ACS:
- Area V Task A-D — Instrument Approach Procedures (precision, non-precision, circling, missed)
- Area III Task B — Holding Procedures (entry, timing, compliance with clearance)
- Area IV Task A — Intercepting and Tracking Courses (VOR, RNAV)
- Area VI Task A-C — Emergency Operations (loss of comm, partial panel, system failures)
Debrief
Compare your Decision to what the handbook says:
- ?Hold entry: teardrop, parallel, direct — pick one and defend it in <5 seconds with a heading diagram in your head.
- ?Alternate requirement 1-2-3 rule: name it and apply it to this scenario. What airport qualifies?
- ?On the approach, where is your decision altitude and what does "stable" mean under the ACS? Not just "it feels stable."
- ?If you lose vacuum on the FAF inbound, what happens to your attitude indicator? What is your partial-panel go-to instrument?
Reinforcement
Turn your biggest miss into fast-recall rules:
- Hold entry rule: if the heading to the hold fix is within 70° of the outbound leg, use direct. Split the other 290° between parallel and teardrop.
- Alternate 1-2-3: within ±1 hour ETA, ceiling <2,000 ft OR vis <3 SM → alternate required. Standard: 600/2 precision, 800/2 non-precision.
- Stabilized IFR approach: on speed (±10 kt), on path (within one dot), configured, by 1,000 ft AGL. Not stable = miss.
What Order to Read the Instrument ACS
Don't read by chapter number. Work the four phases. Start with whichever you're weakest in.
Survival Thinking
“What can hurt me?”
- •Area VI — Emergency Operations (partial panel, unusual attitudes, loss of comm IFR)
- •Area V Task D — Missed Approach (when to go, how to climb, clean, communicate)
Interpretation
“What am I looking at?”
- •Area IV — Navigation Systems (RNAV/GPS approach brief, course intercept)
- •Area II — Preflight Procedures (WX briefing, alternate selection, fuel planning)
Prediction
“What will happen?”
- •Area III — Holding, Clearances, Departure (what ATC will give, what you must request)
- •Area I — Preflight Preparation (weather interpretation, personal minimums)
Checkride Mode
“Can I explain it under pressure?”
- •Area V — Brief every approach OUT LOUD including missed. DPE standard.
- •Area III Task B — Hold entry under 5 seconds, compliance timing to the second
- •Area VI — Partial panel: recite the scan and primary instruments for pitch and bank
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Area I: Preflight Preparation
Pilot qualifications, weather information, cross-country flight planning, and instrument cockpit check.
Area I: Preflight Preparation
Pilot qualifications, weather information, cross-country flight planning, and instrument cockpit check.
Key Topics
2Area II: Preflight Procedures
IFR flight plan filing, ATC clearance, and compliance procedures.
Area II: Preflight Procedures
IFR flight plan filing, ATC clearance, and compliance procedures.
Key Topics
3Area III: ATC Clearances and Procedures
Compliance with ATC clearances, holding procedures.
Area III: ATC Clearances and Procedures
Compliance with ATC clearances, holding procedures.
Key Topics
4Area IV: Flight by Reference to Instruments
Straight-and-level, turns, climbs, descents, and unusual attitudes under the hood.
Area IV: Flight by Reference to Instruments
Straight-and-level, turns, climbs, descents, and unusual attitudes under the hood.
Key Topics
5Area V: Navigation Systems
Intercepting and tracking courses, DME arcs, and navigation system use.
Area V: Navigation Systems
Intercepting and tracking courses, DME arcs, and navigation system use.
Key Topics
6Area VI: Instrument Approach Procedures
Precision, nonprecision, and RNAV approaches, circling and missed approaches.
Area VI: Instrument Approach Procedures
Precision, nonprecision, and RNAV approaches, circling and missed approaches.
Key Topics
7Area VII: Emergency Operations
Lost communications, partial panel, and approach with loss of primary instruments.
Area VII: Emergency Operations
Lost communications, partial panel, and approach with loss of primary instruments.
Key Topics
8Area VIII: Postflight Procedures
IFR cancellation and postflight procedures.
Area VIII: Postflight Procedures
IFR cancellation and postflight procedures.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Study the ACS alongside the Instrument Flying Handbook and Instrument Procedures Handbook. The ACS tells you what will be tested; the handbooks teach the material.
- Focus heavily on approach procedures (Area VI). You will fly multiple approaches on the checkride, including at least one precision and one nonprecision approach.
- Practice holding pattern entries until you can determine the correct entry instantly. Consider using the thumb method or visualizing the holding fix.
- Know the lost-communications procedures cold. The DPE may simulate a communications failure during your checkride.
- Review the tolerances for each maneuver. For example, maintain altitude within 100 feet, heading within 10 degrees, and airspeed within 10 knots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Instrument Rating ACS free?
Yes, the Instrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8C) is a free PDF from FAA.gov.
How many approaches do I need to fly on the instrument checkride?
The ACS requires a minimum of three approaches: at least one precision approach (ILS or LPV), at least one nonprecision approach, and may include a circling approach. The exact number is at the DPE's discretion.
What is the difference between the instrument ACS and the old PTS?
Like the Private Pilot ACS, the Instrument Rating ACS adds risk management elements to every Task. The DPE now evaluates not just whether you can fly the approach, but whether you understand the risks involved and can make sound decisions under IFR.
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- FAA-S-ACS-8C
- Last Updated
- 2024
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
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Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards - Airplane (FAA-S-ACS-8C) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
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