10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
These 10 free IHR questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Instrument-Helicopter Rating blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
Domain 1: Preflight Preparation
Question 1
A Part 91 helicopter's destination ETA is 1800Z. An available approach the helicopter is equipped to fly has the lowest applicable MDA, 700 feet above airport elevation. From 1700Z to 1759Z, the forecast is an 800-foot ceiling and 1.5 SM visibility. From 1800Z through 1900Z, it improves to a 1,300-foot ceiling and 2.5 SM visibility. All ceilings are above airport elevation. Is an alternate required by 14 CFR 91.169?
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Correct answer: A - No; the forecast satisfies the helicopter exception for the applicable period.
Question 2
The departure METAR contains '-PL' with a surface temperature of -3 degrees C. The proposed IFR climb would pass through widespread stratiform cloud. Why is this precipitation report especially significant for the icing assessment?
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Correct answer: D - A warm layer may overlie subfreezing air, allowing freezing rain aloft.
Domain 2: Preflight Procedures
Question 3
During a steady climb, one conventional pitot-static instrument set shows a frozen altimeter, a vertical speed indicator that has returned to zero, and an airspeed indication that progressively underreads. A separate, independent instrument system confirms the climb and stable airspeed. Which failure best accounts for all three indications?
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Correct answer: D - A blocked static source with the pitot inlet still open.
Question 4
At the same ground position, two VOR systems tuned to the same identified station center their course-deviation needles at 182 degrees and 185 degrees, both with FROM indications. The systems are independent except for a shared antenna. Assuming no other discrepancies, what does this preflight check establish?
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Correct answer: A - The comparison passes; record the check before relying on it for IFR.
Domain 3: Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearances and Procedures
Question 5
An RNAV SID has a published top altitude of 7,000 feet and requires crossing PINEL at or below 3,000 feet. Before takeoff, ATC clears the helicopter to 'climb via SID except maintain five thousand.' No other amendment is issued. How should the pilot fly the vertical profile?
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Correct answer: B - Honor PINEL's restriction, then climb as published to 5,000 feet.
Domain 4: Flight by Reference to Instruments
Question 6
During acceleration on a night instrument departure, a helicopter pilot feels the nose pitching sharply upward and is tempted to push the cyclic forward. The attitude indicator and a cross-check of airspeed, climb rate, and heading remain consistent with the intended climb. Which illusion best explains the sensation?
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Correct answer: A - Somatogravic illusion.
Domain 5: Navigation Systems
Question 7
A departure requires a climb gradient of 350 feet per nautical mile through 4,000 feet MSL. Flight-manual data predict 650 ft/min throughout that segment at the planned 85 KIAS. Forecast winds produce a groundspeed of 120 knots. Does this climb plan satisfy the published gradient?
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Correct answer: C - No; the required climb rate is 700 ft/min.
Domain 6: Instrument Approach Procedures
Question 8
On a straight-in Category I ILS, a helicopter reaches DA, 250 feet above touchdown zone elevation. Flight visibility exceeds the authorized minimum, and the helicopter is positioned for a normal descent and landing. Only the white approach lights are identifiable; neither red terminating bars nor red side-row bars are visible. With those visual references unchanged, what descent is permitted?
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Correct answer: B - Descent may continue, but not below 100 feet above touchdown zone elevation.
Question 9
A WAAS navigator annunciates LNAV+V, and the pilot is using the LNAV minima for an RNAV (GPS) approach. Before a final-segment stepdown fix requiring at least 1,600 feet MSL, following the displayed vertical path would put the helicopter at 1,480 feet at the fix. The barometric altimeter setting is correct and lateral guidance remains valid. Which instruction governs the crossing?
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Correct answer: C - Cross at or above 1,600 feet; the '+V' path is advisory.
Domain 7: Emergency Operations
Question 10
ATC tells a helicopter, 'Fly heading two seven zero, vectors to LEMON, then as cleared.' Complete two-way radio failure occurs before the pilot receives a clearance to rejoin the route. IMC persists, and navigation equipment remains operational. From the point of failure, the required initial lateral route is:
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Correct answer: C - Proceed direct to LEMON, then follow the previously cleared route.