Instrument Rating ACS · Area V

IR.V Navigation Systems

2 tasks and 30 knowledge, risk management and skill elements. Each code below is a link target: a code from your test report, such as IR.V.A.K1, lands on its own line.

Written by the FlightWay team. Regulations checked against the eCFR and faa.gov on 11 November 2026. Not a substitute for the regulation itself or your instructor.

IR.V.A Intercepting and Tracking Navigational Systems and DME Arcs

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with intercepting and tracking navigation aids and arcs solely by reference to instruments.

IR.V.A.K1Knowledge

Ground-based navigation (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests, and regulations), including procedures for intercepting and tracking courses and arcs.

IR.V.A.K2Knowledge

Satellite-based navigation (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests, regulations, interference, appropriate use of databases, Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM), and Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS)), including procedures for intercepting and tracking courses and arcs.

IR.V.A.R1Risk management

Management of automated navigation and autoflight systems.

IR.V.A.R2Risk management

Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.

IR.V.A.R3Risk management

Limitations of the navigation system in use.

IR.V.A.S1Skill

Tune and identify the navigation facility/program the navigation system and verify system accuracy as appropriate for the equipment installed in the aircraft.

IR.V.A.S2Skill

Determine aircraft position relative to the navigational facility or waypoint.

IR.V.A.S3Skill

Set and orient to the course to be intercepted.

IR.V.A.S4Skill

Intercept the specified course at appropriate angle, inbound to or outbound from a navigational facility or waypoint.

IR.V.A.S5Skill

Maintain airspeed ±10 knots, altitude ±100 feet, and selected headings ±5°.

IR.V.A.S6Skill

Apply proper correction to maintain a course, allowing no more than ¾-scale deflection of the course deviation indicator (CDI). If a distance measuring equipment (DME) arc is selected, maintain that arc ±1 nautical mile.

IR.V.A.S7Skill

Recognize navigational system or facility failure, and when required, report the failure to air traffic control (ATC).

IR.V.A.S8Skill

Use a multi-function display (MFD) and other graphical navigation displays, if installed, to monitor position, track wind drift, and to maintain situational awareness.

IR.V.A.S9Skill

At the discretion of the evaluator, use the autopilot to make appropriate course intercepts, if installed.

IR.V.A.S10Skill

Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.

IR.V.B Departure, En Route, and Arrival Operations

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with IFR departure, en route, and arrival operations solely by reference to instruments.

IR.V.B.K1Knowledge

Elements related to ATC routes, including departure procedures (DPs) and associated climb gradients; standard terminal arrival (STAR) procedures and associated constraints.

IR.V.B.K2Knowledge

Pilot/controller responsibilities, communication procedures, and ATC services available to pilots.

IR.V.B.R1Risk management

ATC communications and compliance with published procedures.

IR.V.B.R2Risk management

Limitations of traffic avoidance equipment.

IR.V.B.R3Risk management

Responsibility to use "see and avoid" techniques when possible.

IR.V.B.S1Skill

Select, identify (as necessary) and use the appropriate communication and navigation facilities associated with the proposed flight.

IR.V.B.S2Skill

Perform the appropriate checklist items relative to the phase of flight.

IR.V.B.S3Skill

Use the current and appropriate paper or electronic navigation publications.

IR.V.B.S4Skill

Establish two-way communications with the proper controlling agency, use proper phraseology, and comply in a timely manner with all ATC instructions and airspace restrictions.

IR.V.B.S5Skill

Intercept all courses, radials, and bearings appropriate to the procedure, route, or clearance in a timely manner.

IR.V.B.S6Skill

Comply with all applicable charted procedures.

IR.V.B.S7Skill

Maintain airspeed ±10 knots, altitude ±100 feet, and selected headings ±10°, and apply proper correction to maintain a course allowing no more than ¾-scale deflection of the course deviation indicator (CDI).

IR.V.B.S8Skill

Update/interpret weather in flight.

IR.V.B.S9Skill

Use displays of digital weather and aeronautical information, as applicable to maintain situational awareness.

IR.V.B.S10Skill

Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.

Other areas in this standard

Last updated 11 November 2026.