Instrument Rating Checkride Tips 2026: Pass First Time

Everything You Need to Pass the Instrument Checkride

The instrument rating checkride is a pivotal moment in every pilot's career. It transforms you from a fair-weather flyer into a pilot who can operate in the clouds, shoot approaches to minimums, and navigate the IFR system with confidence. It is also one of the most failed checkrides, with a national disapproval rate of approximately 20-25%.

This guide covers exactly what DPEs are looking for in 2026 and how to exceed their expectations.

The Oral Exam: What to Expect

The oral portion typically lasts 1.5 to 2.5 hours and covers these major areas:

Weather Analysis

DPEs will present you with a real or simulated weather scenario and expect you to:

1. Interpret METARs, TAFs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, and PIREPs
2. Identify hazards including icing, turbulence, thunderstorms, and low IFR conditions
3. Make a go/no-go decision and explain your reasoning
4. Describe your personal minimums and how they differ from published minimums

Regulations and Procedures

Approach Procedures

Be prepared to brief any approach plate in detail:

• Identify all components (feeder routes, initial approach fix, intermediate segment, final approach course, MAP, missed approach)
• Explain the difference between precision and non-precision approaches
• Describe step-down fixes and their purpose
• Explain circling approach criteria and limitations
• Brief the missed approach procedure from memory after reviewing the plate

Aircraft Systems

Know your specific aircraft's:

• Pitot-static system and how failures affect instruments
• Vacuum system and what fails if it is lost
• Electrical system and load shedding procedures
• GPS and its limitations (RAIM, database currency)
• Autopilot operation and disconnect procedures

The Flight Test: Maneuvers and Standards

Pre-Flight and Departure

• File and open an IFR flight plan (or simulate the process)
• Perform a thorough instrument cockpit check
• Brief the departure procedure and initial routing
• Demonstrate proper IFR communication from the ground up

En Route Navigation

Approaches

You will fly a minimum of three approaches:

1. Precision approach (ILS): Maintain glideslope and localizer within 1 dot. Go missed at DA/DH if simulated IMC.
2. Non-precision approach (VOR or LNAV): Step down at appropriate fixes. Do not descend below MDA until runway environment in sight.
3. GPS approach (or second non-precision): Demonstrate proficiency with GPS navigation and approach modes.

Standards for All Approaches

• Airspeed: +/- 10 knots
• Heading: +/- 10 degrees
• Altitude: +/- 100 feet (en route), +/- 75 feet on glideslope
• CDI deflection: Within 3/4 scale during approach
• Missed approach: Execute promptly at the MAP or DA

Circling Approach

Many DPEs include a circling approach to test:

• Maintaining visual contact with the runway
• Staying within protected airspace
• Configuring for landing while maneuvering
• Going missed from the circling maneuver

Missed Approach

Every missed approach should be flown as if it were real:

1. Power, attitude, configuration (positive rate, gear up, flaps up)
2. Climb to the published altitude
3. Navigate to the holding fix
4. Enter the hold correctly

Top 10 Checkride Failures

Based on DPE reports, these are the most common reasons for failing the instrument checkride:

1. Altitude deviations during holding -- Practice holding in turbulent conditions
2. Incorrect holding entry -- Draw the holding pattern and determine entry type before reaching the fix
3. Descending below MDA on non-precision approach -- Set your altitude bug and do not go below it
4. Failure to execute missed approach at the MAP -- Know exactly where your MAP is before starting the approach
5. Poor weather briefing during oral -- Practice real weather briefings daily in the weeks before your checkride
6. Inadequate knowledge of lost communication procedures -- AVE-F MEA: Assigned, Vectored, Expected, Filed; Minimum, Expected, Altitude
7. Busting approach speed limits -- Know the maximum speed for your approach category
8. Forgetting to identify navigation aids -- Always identify the VOR or NDB before using it
9. Poor partial panel skills -- Practice unusual attitudes and approaches on partial panel regularly
10. Rushing the approach brief -- Take your time. A thorough brief prevents errors during the approach.

Two-Week Checkride Prep Plan

Checkride Day Tips

Before You Arrive

• Ensure all aircraft documents are in order (AROW)
• Verify aircraft maintenance and airworthiness
• Check weather and file a flight plan if required
• Organize your approach plates and charts
• Bring your logbook, knowledge test results, endorsements, and medical

During the Oral

• If you do not know an answer, say so. Then explain how you would find it.
• Use your resources (FAR/AIM, approach plates) to support your answers
• Relate answers to practical scenarios when possible
• Stay calm and conversational. This is a discussion, not an interrogation.

During the Flight

• Brief every approach out loud, even if the DPE does not ask
• Call out altitudes, speeds, and configurations during approach
• If something goes wrong, communicate. Tell the DPE what you are doing and why.
• Fly the airplane first. Aviate, navigate, communicate -- in that order.

The Bottom Line

The instrument checkride tests whether you can safely operate in the IFR environment. DPEs are not looking for perfection -- they are looking for competence, good judgment, and the ability to manage workload. Fly the way you trained, use your checklists, and communicate clearly.

*Sharpen your instrument knowledge with our [question bank](/tools/quiz) featuring hundreds of IFR-related questions, or review our [navigation guides](/guides) for in-depth coverage of approach procedures and IFR operations.*