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FAA Instrument Rating Foreign Pilot via Non-BASA (61.75) Knowledge Test Practice Test

The IFP knowledge test practice page focuses on instrument-flight concepts relevant to a foreign pilot seeking an FAA instrument rating through the non-BASA route under 14 CFR 61.75. Practice material samples U.S. IFR procedures, instrument navigation, approach-chart interpretation, aircraft equipment, and decisions during changing weather or radio-communication problems.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codeIFP
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Instrument Rating Foreign Pilot via Non-BASA (61.75) Knowledge… Exam

Instrument flying requires pilots to interpret indications from systems such as the VOR, ADF, magnetic compass, and marker beacon receiver, then use that information to maintain or verify a course. Approach procedures call for understanding published altitude references, procedure turns, and the purpose of charted approach segments. IFR decisions also involve recognizing weather trends that may reduce visibility or lower cloud ceilings, confirming required aircraft instruments and equipment, and responding appropriately to lost two-way communications. Position reports and updates to ATC help communicate location and material changes in flight conditions. The practice bank includes questions across these areas, providing a way to work through U.S. instrument-flight scenarios and check understanding of terminology and procedures relevant to the IFP test.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

On a standard instrument approach chart, what does the published decision altitude or decision height generally represent?

  1. AA point at which the pilot must decide whether required visual references and other landing conditions are met or initiate the missed approach.
  2. BThe altitude at which the aircraft must begin its initial descent from cruise.
  3. CThe minimum altitude at which ATC may issue a landing clearance.
  4. DThe altitude below which the pilot may descend whenever the runway is expected to be visible.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

At DA or DH, the pilot evaluates whether the required visual references are available and the aircraft is in a position to continue a safe landing. If the conditions are not met, the published missed approach must be executed. The specific approach and regulations determine the applicable details.

Question 2

A pilot observes that the temperature is near the dew point and that a layer of clouds is lowering toward the airport. What does this trend most directly suggest for an IFR arrival?

  1. AVisibility and ceiling may deteriorate, so the pilot should monitor updated weather and approach conditions.
  2. BThe airport’s pressure altitude is increasing rapidly.
  3. CThe aircraft’s pitot system is likely blocked.
  4. DThe wind is necessarily shifting to a tailwind.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A small temperature-dew-point spread and a lowering cloud layer can be associated with increasing saturation and worsening ceiling or visibility. The pilot should use current observations and forecasts to reassess the approach and landing plan.

Question 3

During an IFR flight, a pilot loses two-way radio communications while in VMC. What is generally the appropriate course of action under U.S. procedures?

  1. AContinue to the destination at the last assigned altitude without attempting further communication.
  2. BLand as soon as practicable at a suitable airport and advise ATC as soon as possible.
  3. CImmediately squawk 7600 and proceed to the filed destination regardless of circumstances.
  4. DDescend below the minimum safe altitude to obtain a clearer radio signal.
Show answerCorrect answer: B

For an IFR aircraft experiencing radio failure in VMC, the general U.S. procedure is to continue under VFR and land as soon as practicable, then notify ATC. The pilot should use applicable procedures and consider the full circumstances; code 7600 identifies a communications failure when appropriate.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a procedure turn or hold-in-lieu-of-procedure-turn depicted on an instrument approach procedure?

  1. ATo provide course reversal or alignment as specified by the procedure before proceeding inbound
  2. BTo allow descent below the approach minimums before reaching the final approach course
  3. CTo replace the requirement to identify the final approach fix
  4. DTo establish radar contact with the approach control facility
Show answerCorrect answer: A

When authorized and required by the procedure, a procedure turn or hold-in-lieu provides course reversal or alignment before the inbound approach segment. Chart notes and the aircraft's position or clearance determine whether it is to be flown.

Question 5

What information does a marker beacon receiver provide when a marker beacon is installed and operating on an approach?

  1. AA ground-based distance-related alert at a defined point along the approach path
  2. BContinuous lateral course guidance to the runway centerline
  3. CThe aircraft’s pressure altitude for ATC
  4. DThe current wind direction at the airport
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Marker beacons provide an indication when the aircraft passes a defined point along the approach path, historically associated with distance from the runway. They do not provide continuous lateral guidance; equipment and procedure designs may use other fixes or aids instead.

Question 6

Before acting as pilot in command on an IFR flight in the United States, what must a pilot ensure about the aircraft’s required instruments and equipment?

  1. AThey are installed and operative as required for the operation, subject to applicable rules and any approved deferral procedures.
  2. BEvery instrument listed in the aircraft’s equipment list is operative, with no exceptions.
  3. COnly the navigation receiver used for the first leg must be operative.
  4. DThe aircraft has at least one functioning communication radio, regardless of the flight conditions.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Instrument flight requires compliance with the applicable equipment requirements, including 14 CFR 91.205 and other relevant rules. Some inoperative equipment may be handled through permitted procedures, but a pilot cannot simply disregard required equipment.

Question 7

A pilot is tracking an NDB bearing using an ADF. What does the relative bearing indicate?

  1. AThe magnetic direction from the aircraft to magnetic north
  2. BThe direction to the station measured clockwise from the aircraft’s nose
  3. CThe aircraft’s magnetic course over the ground
  4. DThe station’s magnetic variation
Show answerCorrect answer: B

ADF relative bearing is measured clockwise from the aircraft’s nose to the bearing of the station. To obtain a magnetic bearing to the station, the pilot combines relative bearing with the aircraft’s magnetic heading, accounting for the instrument and operating context.

How to use this practice test

The free US Practice Tests practice session presents up to 20 randomly selected questions from the 50-question IFP bank. Submit the session to see results, then use missed or uncertain items to identify concepts to revisit, such as approach-chart interpretation, navigation indications, or IFR communication decisions.

Preparation tips

  • Read instrument approach charts closely and distinguish decision altitude or height from other published altitudes.
  • Work through VOR and ADF indications, including what the OBS course selector and ADF relative bearing tell you.
  • Practice applying U.S. lost-communications procedures to scenarios that distinguish VMC from IMC.
  • Connect temperature, dew point, and lowering cloud layers to possible changes in IFR arrival conditions.
  • Review which instruments and equipment must be available and operative before acting as PIC on an IFR flight.
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