Author Richard Collins shares his experience in this guide to the real world of instrument flight, detailing the IFR system, equipment, and exploring the risks and rewards of instrument flying. The invaluable discussions on instrument airmanship, weather analysis, flight planning and decision making, handling equipment glitches, and that critical survival skill — partial panel flying — are all presented for the sole objective of better preparing you to fly on IFR flight plans. This fourth edition takes into account the current IFR environment, and includes chapters dedicated to:

perfecting basic attitude instrument flying for the foundation of a successful IFR flight

light airplane operation in the middle high-altitudes beginning at 18,000 feet

the relationship between systems — including autopilots — and instrument flying

using all resources, including computers, to file flight plans, obtain and interpret weather information, and prepare flight plans for the best preflight readiness

managing stress

IFR flight in and around ice, thunderstorms, and at night

The only tests this book prepares you for are those encountered in flying actual IFR. Where the initial instrument checkride leaves off with the applicant receiving a "dry" instrument ticket, this book provides the information necessary to "get it wet." Soft cover, 230 pages, indexed. Written to help prepare applicants for their oral exams with FAA examiners. Using a question-and-answer format, each Oral Exam Guide lists the questions most likely to be asked by examiners and provides succinct, ready responses. Pilots will find these Guides indispensable tools in both planning for what to expect during the airplane checkride, and mastering the subject matter. Instructors rate them as excellent preparation for students, as well as preps for Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs), aircraft transitions, and as general refresher material.

The Private Oral Exam Guide is designed for student pilots training for the Private Pilot Certificate. All the subjects a Private Pilot candidate will be tested on during checkrides and review flights are covered. Chapters are dedicated to certificates and documents, weather, determining performance and limitations, airplane systems, cross-country flight planning, night operations, and aeromedical factors. References for further study are provided throughout the book, and additional study questions conclude each chapter. Answers and explanations were researched using FAA documents (which are identified so readers know where to go for further study) as well as interviewing FAA examiners. This book teaches applicants not only what to expect, but also how to exhibit subject mastery and confidence when under the examiner’s scrutiny. This book will identify the candidates’ strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in their aeronautical knowledge, increasing study efficiency. Soft cover, 208 pages. Revised February 2005.

Pilots will find the Oral Exam Guides indispensable tools in both planning for what to expect during the airplane checkride, and mastering the subject matter. Instructors rate them as excellent preparation for students, as well as preps for Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs), aircraft transitions, and as general refresher material. Includes Appendix for Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII) candidates. Soft cover, 173 pp. (Seventh Edition, 2009.)

This book is designed for pilots involved in training for the Commercial Pilot’s License. Thorough explanations of pilot responsibilities, technical subject areas and the required maneuvers—including steep spirals and power-off accuracy approach/landings—are covered in this simulated oral test format. This Sixth Edition also includes a chapter on Aeronautical Decision Making and Cockpit Resource Management (ADM and CRM), covering situational awareness and the use of checklists. Additional study questions are included at the conclusion of each chapter to further aid learning. Answers were researched using FAA documents as well as interviews with FAA examiners, and are supported by references throughout so readers know where they can go to learn more. Included in the appendix is the “Applicant’s Practical Test Checklist,” a helpful checklist for knowing what to expect and how to prepare for the day of your oral and checkride.

This edition for CFI applicants includes "Fundamentals of Instruction" questions covering the subjects from the FAA's Aviation Instructor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9). The latest Practical Test Standards are accounted for, including the new flight maneuvers "steep spirals" and "180-degree power-off approach." References are included with each explanation for the reader to research further as necessary. Additional Study Questions conclude each section, so the reader can be certain they've mastered a topic before moving on to the next subject. Also includes a reprint of Advisory Circular 61-65D "Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors" with current endorsements, and an "Applicant's Practical Test Checklist. "272 pages, 5-1/4" x 8-1/4", soft cover."

All the subjects an ATP candidate will be tested on during checkrides, career interviews, and aircraft transition rides are covered. Chapters are dedicated to turbine aircraft theory, performance and limitations, airline operational procedures, aeronautical decision making (ADM) and crew resource management (CRM), regulations, and instrument procedures. The guide concludes with 2 appendices that contain questions and answers candidates can expect on an airline-type ride, concerning aircraft systems and limitations. All the information in these appendices is specific to the Beechcraft 1900C aircraft, so pilots can learn the basic components and principles for the type of turboprop aircraft found in many of today’s regional airline fleets. This section may also be used as a workbook, with space provided so readers can reference their airplane operating manual to fill in the blanks to the same questions asked about the BE1900C.

Answers and explanations were researched using FAA documents (and are identified so readers know where to go for further study on any given question) as well as interviewing a variety of airline pilots, 121/135 operators, and examiners. The ATP Oral Exam Guide teaches applicants not only what to expect, but also how to exhibit subject mastery and confidence when they’re under the examiner’s scrutiny. This book will identify the candidates' strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in their aeronautical knowledge, increasing study efficiency.

The Oral Exam Guides by Michael D. Hayes were written to help prepare applicants for their oral exams with FAA examiners. Using a question-and-answer format, each guide lists the questions most likely to be asked by examiners and provides succinct, ready responses. Pilots will find these guides indispensable tools in both planning for what to expect during the airplane checkride, and mastering the subject matter. Instructors rate them as excellent preparation for students, as well as preps for Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs), aircraft transitions, and as general refresher material.

This Fourth Edition of the Guide to the Biennial Flight Review is updated to reflect important regulatory, procedural, and training changes including Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), runway incursion avoidance procedures, and risk management. References for further study are provided throughout the book, and these are all updated to reflect the recent release of new FAA publications.

All pilots — whether they fly for pleasure, business, or as a career — must take a flight review every 2 years (this check is sometimes called a Biennial Flight Review, BFR, or Flight Review). This book provides complete preparation for pilots taking the flight review, as well as for the flight instructors conducting the review. The FAA offers options for completing the BFR, and the book covers all of these in detail so the reader can assess the best means to complete the FAA requirement based on their proficiency level and aviation goals. International pilots use this book as a means to familiarize themselves with flight operations in the U.S.

The BFR must include 1 hour of ground instruction as well as 1 hour of flight instruction. The information provided in this book may be used to fulfill these requirements: a 1-hour question and answer session, a written test, as well as recommendations for what to do during the flight. Soft cover, 5” x 8-1/4”, 124 pages.