A task-by-task reading guide for the current Instrument Rating – Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-8C). It follows the same resource-link format as the Private/Commercial guide and points students toward current regulations, the AIM, FAA handbooks, current charts/publications, and selected advisory circulars.
The official ACS controls. This page is a study cross-reference, not an FAA-issued item-by-item crosswalk. The ACS reference list sometimes names an advisory circular without its later revision letter; where practical, the links below point to the current revision. Always verify current regulations, AIM changes, NOTAMs, chart cycles, navigation databases, and the aircraft POH/AFM.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.I.A.K1 Certification requirements, instrument recent experience, IPC requirements, and recordkeeping. | 14 CFR § 61.314 CFR § 61.5114 CFR § 61.5714 CFR § 61.65Instrument Flying Handbook · certification/currency |
| IR | IR.I.A.K2 Instrument privileges and limitations, including when an instrument rating is required. | 14 CFR § 61.3(e)14 CFR § 91.173Instrument Flying Handbook · IFR operations |
| IR | IR.I.A.K3 BasicMed privileges and limitations as they apply to instrument operations. | 14 CFR Part 68 · BasicMed14 CFR § 61.23PHAK Ch. 17 · medical certification |
Risks: Currency versus proficiency; personal minimums; fitness for flight; unfamiliar aircraft, displays, or avionics.
Skills: Apply the requirements to act as PIC under IFR to a realistic scenario.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.I.B.K1 Sources of weather data for IFR preflight planning. | Aviation Weather CenterAC 91-92 · Preflight briefingAviation Weather Handbook · §3.3AIM 7-1 · Meteorology / weather services |
| IR | IR.I.B.K2a–g Weather observations and products: METAR/SPECI, PIREP, surface analysis/CVA, TAF, GFA, winds aloft, convective outlooks, AIRMETs and SIGMETs. | Aviation Weather CenterAviation Weather Handbook · Ch. 24–28PHAK Ch. 13 · reports & forecastsAIM 7-1 · Weather products |
| IR | IR.I.B.K3a–l IFR meteorology: stability, wind and windshear, temperature, moisture, fronts, clouds, turbulence, thunderstorms/microbursts, icing/freezing levels, fog, frost, and visibility restrictions. | Aviation Weather Handbook · weather theoryPHAK Ch. 12 · Weather TheoryAIM 7-1 · Safety of flight weatherAC 91-74B · Flight in icing |
| IR | IR.I.B.K4 Use and limitations of digital weather and aeronautical information displayed in the cockpit. | PHAK Ch. 13 · datalink weatherAIM 7-1-9 · Flight Information ServicesAC 00-63B · Digital weather displays |
Risks: Go/no-go and continue/divert decisions; personal weather minimums; icing/turbulence; limitations and latency of onboard and inflight weather.
Skills: Obtain and analyze a weather briefing, correlate hazards, make a go/no-go decision, and determine alternate requirements.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.I.C.K1a–h IFR route planning: navigation facilities, special use airspace, preferred routes, primary/alternate airports, enroute charts, Chart Supplement, NOTAMs, and terminal procedures. | 14 CFR § 91.103Current IFR Enroute ChartsCurrent Terminal ProceduresCurrent Chart SupplementFAA NOTAM SearchFAA Chart User’s GuideIPH Ch. 1 · DeparturesIPH Ch. 2 · En RouteIPH Ch. 3 · Arrivals |
| IR | IR.I.C.K2 Altitude selection: terrain/obstacles, glide range, IFR cruising altitudes, wind, and oxygen requirements. | 14 CFR § 91.17714 CFR § 91.17914 CFR § 91.211PHAK Ch. 16 · flight planningCurrent IFR Enroute Charts |
| IR | IR.I.C.K3a–c Flight-planning calculations: time, climb/descent, course, distance, heading, TAS/groundspeed, ETA/UTC, and IFR fuel/reserve requirements. | 14 CFR § 91.167 · IFR fuelPHAK Ch. 16 · navigation calculationsPHAK Ch. 11 · performance charts |
| IR | IR.I.C.K4–K5 IFR flight plan elements and procedures for filing, activating, and closing in controlled and uncontrolled airspace. | 14 CFR § 91.16914 CFR § 91.173AIM 5-1 · Preflight / flight plansFlight Service · 1800WXBRIEF |
Risks: PAVE factors; ATC service limitations; EFB/planning-app limitations; fuel planning.
Skills: Prepare and explain an IFR cross-country plan, interpret current charts/procedures, and apply NOTAM/icing information.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.II.A.K1 Operational characteristics and limitations of anti-icing/deicing systems: airframe, propeller, intake, fuel, and pitot-static. | PHAK Ch. 7 · anti-ice/deice systemsAC 91-74B · Flight in icingIFH · aircraft systems / icingAircraft POH/AFM · limitations & procedures |
| IR | IR.II.A.K2 Flight control systems relevant to instrument operations and automation. | PHAK Ch. 7 · aircraft systemsIFH · flight control / autopilot systemsAircraft POH/AFM |
Risks: Icing exposure; anti/deice limitations; automation use in instrument conditions.
Skills: Demonstrate aircraft-specific anti/deice and automatic flight-control procedures or information.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.II.B.K1a–d Flight instruments and supporting systems: pitot-static, gyroscopic/electric/vacuum systems, PFD/MFD, transponder/ADS-B, and magnetic compass. | PHAK Ch. 8 · Flight InstrumentsIFH Ch. 5 · Flight Instruments14 CFR § 91.20514 CFR § 91.225 · ADS-B |
| IR | IR.II.B.K2a Ground-based navigation systems: VOR, DME, ILS, marker beacon equipment, checks, and limitations. | 14 CFR § 91.171 · VOR checksAIM Ch. 1 · Air NavigationIFH · navigation systemsIPH Ch. 4 · Approaches |
| IR | IR.II.B.K2b RNAV/GPS/WAAS/FMS and autopilot operation, modes, databases, integrity, and limitations. | AIM Ch. 1 · GPS / RNAVIPH Ch. 6 · Airborne Navigation DatabasesAC 90-100A · RNAV 1/2AC 90-105A · RNP / RNAV (GPS)AC 90-107 · LPV / LP |
| IR | IR.II.B.K3 Electronic flight bag use, approval considerations, limitations, and failure planning. | AC 91-78A · Electronic flight bagsPHAK Ch. 16 · GPS/EFB navigationRisk Management Handbook · automation / SRM |
Risks: Automation management; approved vs. non-approved navigation; failure modes; EFB and database limitations.
Skills: Operate and manage installed flight/navigation equipment and any applicant-supplied EFB.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.II.C.K1 Purpose and method of an instrument flight deck check; detection of instrument/system defects. | IFH Ch. 5 · Systems preflight proceduresAircraft POH/AFM · preflight checks |
| IR | IR.II.C.K2 IFR airworthiness: required equipment and inspection/test requirements. | 14 CFR § 91.20514 CFR § 91.41114 CFR § 91.41314 CFR § 91.171PHAK Ch. 9 · airworthiness/documents |
| IR | IR.II.C.K3 Procedures, documentation, and limitations for IFR flight with inoperative equipment. | 14 CFR § 91.213PHAK Ch. 9 · inoperative equipmentPOH/AFM · KOEL / limitations |
Risks: Inoperative equipment and outdated navigation data/publications.
Skills: Perform the aircraft-specific preflight and determine whether the aircraft is safe and legal for IFR.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.III.A.K1 ATC clearances and pilot/controller responsibilities for departure, en route, and arrival, including clearance void times. | 14 CFR § 91.173AIM 4-4 · ATC clearancesAIM 5-2 · Departure proceduresAIM 5-3 · En RouteAIM 5-4 · Arrivals / approachesIPH Ch. 1 · Departures |
| IR | IR.III.A.K2 PIC emergency authority and deviation from rules/clearances when required for safety. | 14 CFR § 91.3AIM Ch. 6 · emergency procedures |
| IR | IR.III.A.K3 Lost-communication procedures and procedures outside radar environments. | 14 CFR § 91.185AIM 6-4 · Two-way radio communications failureIPH Appendix A · Emergency Procedures |
Risks: Misunderstood/incorrect clearances, aircraft capability conflicts, and similar call signs.
Skills: Copy, read back, interpret, and comply with clearances; configure radios/nav/transponder; use current publications and proper phraseology.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.III.B.K1 Holding procedures: reporting criteria, holding speeds, recommended entries, timing, wind correction, and standard/nonstandard published or unpublished holds. | AIM 5-3 · HoldingIPH Ch. 2 · En Route / holdingIFH · holding procedures |
Risks: Fuel reserve changes with EFC times, minimum fuel/emergency scenarios, deteriorating destination weather, and entry/wind-correction errors.
Skills: Enter, establish, and maintain a hold using appropriate timing, wind correction, navigation displays, and ATC reporting.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.IV.A.K1 Attitude instrument flying in straight-and-level, climbs, turns, and descents while conducting instrument procedures. | IFH Ch. 6–7 · Attitude Instrument FlyingPHAK Ch. 8 · Flight Instruments |
| IR | IR.IV.A.K2 Interpretation, operation, and limitations of pitch, bank, and power instruments. | IFH · control/performance & primary/supporting methodsPHAK Ch. 8 · Flight Instruments |
| IR | IR.IV.A.K3 Normal and abnormal flight-instrument indications and operations. | IFH Ch. 5–7 · indications/failuresAircraft POH/AFM · instrument/avionics failures |
Risks: Physiology, degraded cross-check, spatial disorientation/illusions, and unfamiliar displays or avionics.
Skills: Maintain ACS tolerances with a disciplined cross-check, correct interpretation, and appropriate pitch/bank/power/trim inputs.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.IV.B.K1 Recognition and recovery procedures for unusual attitudes solely by reference to instruments. | IFH · unusual attitude recoveryAFH Ch. 5 · Upset Prevention and Recovery |
| IR | IR.IV.B.K2 Prevention of unusual attitudes: flight, physiological, environmental, system, and equipment-failure causes. | IFH Ch. 1 · Human Factors / disorientationPHAK Ch. 17 · spatial disorientationAFH Ch. 5 · upset prevention |
| IR | IR.IV.B.K3 Options for safely regaining VMC after inadvertent or unintended IMC. | AIM Ch. 8 · Aeromedical / flight safetyRisk Management Handbook · ADM / SRM |
| IR | IR.IV.B.K4 Appropriate use of automation during unusual-attitude prevention and recovery. | IFH · autopilot / flight director useRisk Management Handbook · automation management |
Risks: Spatial disorientation, automation misuse, inappropriate control inputs, collision hazards, and task saturation.
Skills: Recognize nose-high/nose-low unusual attitudes and recover using correct instrument interpretation, control/power sequence, and SRM/CRM.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.V.A.K1 Ground-based navigation: orientation, course determination, equipment/tests/regulations, intercepting/tracking, and DME arcs. | AIM Ch. 1 · Navigation aids14 CFR § 91.171IFH · VOR/DME/ILS navigationIPH Ch. 2 · En Route navigation |
| IR | IR.V.A.K2 Satellite-based navigation: GPS/RNAV orientation, course determination, equipment/tests/regulations, interference, databases, RAIM, WAAS, intercepting and tracking. | AIM Ch. 1 · GPS / RNAVAC 90-105A · RNP / RNAV (GPS)AC 90-107 · LPV / LPIPH Ch. 6 · Navigation Databases |
Risks: Automation management, task saturation, navigation-system limitations, and facility/system failures.
Skills: Tune/program/verify, determine position, intercept and track, recognize failures, and use MFD/autopilot appropriately.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.V.B.K1 ATC routes, departure procedures and climb gradients, STARs, and associated published constraints. | IPH Ch. 1 · Departure ProceduresIPH Ch. 2 · En Route OperationsIPH Ch. 3 · ArrivalsAIM 5-2 · DeparturesAIM 5-4 · ArrivalsAC 90-100A · RNAV 1/2 |
| IR | IR.V.B.K2 Pilot/controller responsibilities, communication procedures, and ATC services available during IFR operations. | AIM Ch. 4 · ATCAIM 5-3 · En Route proceduresIPH Ch. 2 · En Route Operations |
Risks: ATC communication/procedure compliance, traffic-avoidance equipment limitations, and see-and-avoid responsibilities when conditions permit.
Skills: Use appropriate nav/comm facilities and publications, comply with DPs/STARs/clearances, update weather, and manage workload.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.VI.A.K1 Non-precision approach procedures and limitations, including differences between LP and LNAV guidance. | IPH Ch. 4 · ApproachesAIM 5-4 · Instrument approachesAC 90-107 · LPV / LPCurrent Terminal ProceduresAC 120-108A · CDFA |
| IR | IR.VI.A.K2 Expected RNAV approach indications, annunciations, sequencing, and modes. | AIM Ch. 1 · RNAV/GPSIPH Ch. 4 · RNAV approachesAC 90-105A · RNP / RNAV (GPS)AC 90-107 · LPV / LP |
| IR | IR.VI.A.K3 Ground-based and satellite-based navigation systems used for non-precision approaches. | AIM Ch. 1 · Navigation systemsIPH Ch. 4 · Approaches14 CFR § 91.171 |
| IR | IR.VI.A.K4 Stabilized approach and energy-management concepts for non-precision approaches. | AC 120-108A · CDFAIPH Ch. 4 · Approach planningAFH Ch. 9 · Approaches and Landings |
Risks: Procedure deviations, nav-frequency/setup errors, automation, configuration, unstable/excessive descent, worsening weather, and descent below MDA without required references.
Skills: Fly an NPA using correct setup, clearances, configuration, stabilized descent, MDA/VDP/MAP discipline, and ACS tolerances.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.VI.B.K1 Precision approach procedures and limitations, including descent-rate planning and adjustments for inoperative equipment. | IPH Ch. 4 · Precision approachesAIM 5-4 · Instrument approachesCurrent Terminal Procedures14 CFR § 91.175 |
| IR | IR.VI.B.K2 Navigation-system displays, annunciations, sequencing, and modes during precision/APV operations. | IFH · navigation displays / automationIPH Ch. 4 · Approach avionics |
| IR | IR.VI.B.K3 Ground- and satellite-based navigation systems, tests/regulations, signal integrity, interference, and proper navigation-data use. | AIM Ch. 1 · ILS/GPS/WAASAC 90-105A · RNP / RNAV (GPS)AC 90-107 · LPV / LP14 CFR § 91.171 |
| IR | IR.VI.B.K4 Stabilized approach and energy-management concepts. | IPH Ch. 4 · ApproachesAFH Ch. 9 · Approaches/LandingsAC 120-108A · CDFA |
Risks: Procedure deviation, wrong nav selection, automation/configuration errors, unstable approach, weather deterioration, and descent below DA/DH without required references.
Skills: Fly a precision/APV approach within ACS tolerances, manage vertical/lateral guidance, DA/DH, visual transition, and missed-approach decision making.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.VI.C.K1 Missed-approach procedures and limitations, including use of FMS/autopilot and published or alternate missed procedures. | 14 CFR § 91.175AIM 5-4 · Missed approach proceduresIPH Ch. 4 · Missed ApproachesCurrent Terminal Procedures |
Risks: Deviation from procedure/ATC instructions, hold/divert/re-approach decisions, aircraft configuration, early go-around/missed decisions, and automation management.
Skills: Promptly initiate, configure, climb, navigate, communicate, and request the next clearance while maintaining ACS tolerances.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.VI.D.K1 Circling approach procedures and limitations, including aircraft approach categories and associated airspeed restrictions. | 14 CFR § 91.175AIM 5-4 · Circling approachesIPH Ch. 4 · CirclingCurrent Terminal Procedures |
Risks: Night/marginal-visibility circling, losing airport visual contact, altitude/airspeed/distance management, low-altitude maneuvering/CFIT, and a missed approach after the MAP.
Skills: Circle within the protected area/category, maintain visual contact and stabilized maneuvering, and execute the correct missed procedure if required.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.VI.E.K1 Pilot responsibilities and environmental, operational, and meteorological factors affecting landing from straight-in or circling approaches. | 14 CFR § 91.175AIM 5-4 · Approach/landingIPH Ch. 4 · Landing from an approachAFH Ch. 9 · Approaches and Landings |
| IR | IR.VI.E.K2 Airport signs, markings, and lighting, including approach-light systems. | AIM Ch. 2 · Aeronautical lighting/visual aidsFAA Chart User’s GuidePHAK Ch. 14 · Airport Operations |
| IR | IR.VI.E.K3 Appropriate landing profiles and aircraft configurations after the instrument-to-visual transition. | AFH Ch. 9 · Approaches and LandingsAircraft POH/AFM · landing procedures |
Risks: Unstable landing attempts, going below the glidepath, instrument-to-visual transition, and landing configuration.
Skills: Make a safe visual transition at DA/DH/MDA/VDP, comply with advisories/NOTAMs, and complete a normal stabilized landing.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.VII.A.K1 Lost-communication procedures by phase of flight: troubleshooting/reestablishing communications, route/altitude, deviation authority, and when to begin the approach. | 14 CFR § 91.185AIM 6-4 · Two-way Radio Communications FailureIPH Appendix A · Emergency Procedures |
Risks: Misdiagnosing the failure or deviating from lost-communications procedures.
Skills: Recognize the failure, attempt reestablishment, choose continuation/diversion, determine approach timing, and manage workload.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| ME | IR.VII.B.K1 Procedures for an engine failure during instrument straight-and-level flight and turns in a multiengine airplane. | AFH Ch. 13 · Transition to Multiengine AirplanesAircraft POH/AFM · engine failure / single-engine performanceIFH · multiengine instrument considerations |
Risks: Correct engine identification, inability to climb/hold altitude, low-altitude loss of control/CFIT, task saturation, fuel management, and aircraft configuration.
Skills: Recognize/verify the failed engine, reduce drag, establish best single-engine performance, communicate, assess performance, and maintain control.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| ME | IR.VII.C.K1 Instrument approach procedures and landing considerations with one engine inoperative. | AFH Ch. 13 · Multiengine engine-out operationsIPH Ch. 4 · Instrument ApproachesAircraft POH/AFM · single-engine approach/landingCurrent Terminal Procedures |
Risks: Engine failure during approach, configuration, low-altitude maneuvering/CFIT, task saturation, and go-around/rejected-landing performance.
Skills: Fly a published approach on one engine, manage configuration and performance, comply with approach-category criteria, and land safely.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.VII.D.K1 Recognize inaccurate/inoperative primary flight instruments and notify ATC/evaluator as appropriate. | IFH Ch. 5–7 · instrument failure indications14 CFR § 91.187 · malfunction reportsAircraft POH/AFM · instrument/avionics failure procedures |
| IR | IR.VII.D.K2 Failure modes of primary instruments and methods to correct or minimize the effect of the loss. | IFH · partial-panel / display failuresPHAK Ch. 8 · instrument system failuresAFH Ch. 18 · Emergency Procedures |
Risks: Secondary-display use, maintaining control, disorientation, and task saturation.
Skills: Advise ATC as needed and complete a non-precision approach using remaining/secondary indications and sound SRM/CRM.
| ACS | Knowledge Item | Resources & Links |
|---|---|---|
| IR | IR.VIII.A.K1 Procedures for documenting in-flight and postflight aircraft/instrument discrepancies. | 14 CFR § 91.714 CFR § 91.213PHAK Ch. 9 · Aircraft documents/airworthinessAircraft/organization discrepancy procedure |
Risks: Incomplete postflight inspection or failure to document discrepancies that could affect a later IFR flight.
Skills: Conduct a postflight inspection and document discrepancies and servicing needs.