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FAA Instrument Rating Helicopter Knowledge Test Practice Test

The FAA Instrument Rating Helicopter Knowledge Test (IRH) addresses the knowledge needed to conduct helicopter flights under instrument flight rules. Its subject matter includes interpreting navigation and altimeter indications, understanding IFR clearances and departure procedures, and making decisions when weather or aircraft limitations affect a planned flight.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codeIRH
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Instrument Rating Helicopter Knowledge Test Exam

Instrument helicopter operations require pilots to interpret flight instruments while maintaining control, follow ATC instructions, and use navigation information to stay on an assigned route. Relevant concepts include VOR course indications, pressure altitude and altimeter settings, obstacle departure procedures, and the meaning of clearance terms such as “cleared as filed” and “expect.” Pilots also need to assess weather conditions, including atmospheric stability, and recognize how low airspeed in instrument conditions can increase the consequences of control errors. Operational judgment includes applying an approved minimum equipment list when relevant and responding conservatively if visual conditions deteriorate beyond a pilot’s qualifications or aircraft capabilities. These skills support practical decisions about route execution, altitude, equipment status, and whether continuing a flight is safe.

Sample Practice Questions

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

Question 1

A pilot is tracking inbound to a VOR on a selected course. What does a TO indication on the course deviation indicator signify?

  1. AThe selected course, if flown, leads toward the station
  2. BThe aircraft is directly over the station
  3. CThe aircraft is left of the selected course
  4. DThe selected course leads away from the station
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The TO/FROM indicator describes the selected course’s relationship to the VOR, not the aircraft’s position relative to the course. A TO indication means the selected course leads toward the station.

Question 2

What is the standard pressure altitude when an altimeter is set to 29.92 inches of mercury?

  1. AThe altitude indicated with the altimeter set to 29.92 inches of mercury
  2. BThe height of the aircraft above the nearest runway
  3. CThe altitude corrected for temperature and terrain elevation
  4. DThe aircraft’s height above the surface measured by radar
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Pressure altitude is the altitude indicated when the altimeter setting is 29.92 inches of mercury. It is used in several performance and flight-level applications and is distinct from height above the ground.

Question 3

In the United States, which altimeter setting is generally used to indicate altitude above mean sea level while operating below 18,000 feet MSL?

  1. A29.92 inches of mercury everywhere
  2. BThe current local altimeter setting reported for the area
  3. CThe standard setting corrected for aircraft weight
  4. DThe field elevation entered as a pressure setting
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Below 18,000 feet MSL, pilots generally set the current local altimeter setting so the altimeter indicates altitude referenced to mean sea level. At and above the applicable transition altitude, standard pressure is used.

Question 4

In a helicopter, why should a pilot use particular care when operating at low airspeed in instrument conditions?

  1. AThe magnetic compass becomes unusable below effective translational lift
  2. BReduced visual cues and changing rotorcraft handling can make attitude control and spatial orientation more demanding
  3. CThe altimeter automatically switches to radar altitude below 40 knots
  4. DThe flight controls become mechanically locked below cruising speed
Show answerCorrect answer: B

At low airspeed, a helicopter may have different handling characteristics, while instrument conditions remove outside visual references. This combination increases workload and the risk of losing attitude or spatial orientation.

Question 5

What is the primary effect of a temperature inversion near the surface on atmospheric stability?

  1. AIt tends to suppress vertical air movement and can trap haze or pollutants near the ground
  2. BIt guarantees strong convective turbulence
  3. CIt causes pressure to decrease rapidly with altitude
  4. DIt eliminates the possibility of fog
Show answerCorrect answer: A

In an inversion, temperature increases with height through a layer, which is stable and resists vertical mixing. This can confine moisture, haze, or pollutants beneath the inversion; it does not rule out fog or other hazards.

Question 6

What does a published obstacle departure procedure (ODP) primarily address?

  1. AObstacle clearance during departure from an airport
  2. BAircraft separation in the landing pattern
  3. CThe correct transponder code for departure
  4. DThe minimum fuel required to reach the destination
Show answerCorrect answer: A

An ODP is designed to provide obstacle clearance for departing aircraft. It may be textual or graphic; pilots should follow applicable clearance and procedure requirements when using it.

Question 7

What is the purpose of a minimum equipment list (MEL) when approved for an aircraft operation?

  1. AIt identifies specified inoperative equipment that may be permitted for dispatch under stated conditions
  2. BIt lists the minimum instruments needed for every instrument approach
  3. CIt replaces required inspections and maintenance records
  4. DIt authorizes operation with any inoperative equipment if the pilot accepts the risk
Show answerCorrect answer: A

An approved MEL provides aircraft-specific relief for certain inoperative items, subject to its limitations, required procedures, and applicable regulations. It is not blanket authorization to operate with any equipment failure.

How to use this practice test

The free practice set draws up to 20 random questions from the 50-question IRH bank. Use a session to check how well you interpret instrument indications, apply IFR terminology, and reason through weather or equipment scenarios. Results appear after the session, helping identify concepts to revisit.

Preparation tips

  • Practice identifying whether a VOR course deviation indicator shows a TO or FROM indication, and relate the flag to the selected course.
  • Distinguish pressure altitude with the altimeter set to 29.92 inches of mercury from altitude indicated using a local altimeter setting below 18,000 feet MSL.
  • Review how obstacle departure procedures address terrain and obstacles, and how an approved minimum equipment list affects dispatch decisions.
  • Translate IFR clearance language such as “cleared as filed” and “expect” into the specific route or altitude authorization it provides.
  • Consider the control and safety implications of low airspeed in helicopter instrument conditions, including what to do if VFR flight enters IMC.
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