Make sure you're flying an airworthy airplane...
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1) You haven't done a VOR check in 30 days, so you do a ground VOR test before taxiing. What is the tolerance for a ground VOR test?
When conducting a VOR ground test, the CDI must read within +/- 4 degrees of the selected radial, otherwise, your VOR is considered not suitable for IFR flight.
When conducting a VOR ground test, the CDI must read within +/- 4 degrees of the selected radial, otherwise, your VOR is considered not suitable for IFR flight.
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2) You're taxiing out to the runway when you notice the clock next to your instrument panel has stopped working. You have a wrist watch if you ended up needing to reference the time during the flight. Can you continue with the flight?
The clock that is a part of the required equipment for IFR flight refers to a clock that is installed in the airplane. It cannot be from an external source such as a wrist watch or a smartphone.
The clock that is a part of the required equipment for IFR flight refers to a clock that is installed in the airplane. It cannot be from an external source such as a wrist watch or a smartphone.
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3) Your transponder was inspected and tested on September 19th, 2023. Today's date is September 24th, 2025. Can you fly?
The transponder needs to be checked every 24 calendar months. Starting October 1st, 2025, the airplane will need a new transponder test.
The transponder needs to be checked every 24 calendar months. Starting October 1st, 2025, the airplane will need a new transponder test.
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4) You are performing an instrument cockpit check while taxiing to the runway. During your turns, you notice the inclinometer isn't moving. Does this need to be operative for you to takeoff on an IFR flight?
Under FAR 91.205 (d)(4), the inclinometer or 'ball' is required to be operative for IFR flight.
Under FAR 91.205 (d)(4), the inclinometer or 'ball' is required to be operative for IFR flight.
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5) The last time your pitot-static system was checked was on September 19th, 2023. Today's date is September 24th, 2025. Are you good to go?
The pitot-static 24 calendar-month system check is good for today. You would need a new pitot-static system check starting October 1st, 2025.
The pitot-static 24 calendar-month system check is good for today. You would need a new pitot-static system check starting October 1st, 2025.
Better luck next time...
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