Quiz: IFR Navigation

Modern IFR flying relies heavily on GPS, but that doesn’t mean the fundamentals of IFR navigation have gone away. Between GPS NOTAMs, legacy ground-based navaids, and the occasional victor airway clearance, instrument pilots still need a solid understanding of how the entire navigation system works.

This quiz explores some of the common (and sometimes confusing) questions that come up when flying IFR today. From GPS reliability NOTAMs to VOR operations and alternate navigation requirements, see how well you understand the rules and procedures that keep you on course in the IFR system.

Does your airplane need to have an alternate means of navigation installed when flying IFR with a non-WAAS GPS as the primary means of navigation?

Yes

No

Correct! Wrong!

While planning an IFR flight, you come across a GPS NOTAM for intentional GPS interference testing along your route of flight. Are you able to legally depart and use GPS as your primary means of navigation for the flight?

Yes you can depart IFR and use GPS as the primary means of navigation.

No, unless you use an alternate form of navigation when flying in an area covered by a GPS NOTAM for interference testing.

Yes, but your flight must remain outside of the NOTAM'd area.

Correct! Wrong!

While reviewing NOTAMs before a flight you notice that GPS operations are NOTAM'd as UNRELIABLE or MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE for your route of flight. How should you proceed?

You can plan to depart normally, but you must use an alternate form of navigation when flying in the NOTAM'd area.

Depart as planned and use GPS as a primary means of navigation if GPS service is available in the aircraft.

You may not depart.

Correct! Wrong!

What is meant when departure control instructs you to 'resume own navigation' after you have been vectored to a Victor airway?

You are still in radar contact, but must make position reports.

Radar service is terminated.

You should maintain the airway by use of your navigation equipment.

Correct! Wrong!

Are hand-held GPS receivers approved for IFR navigation?

Yes

No

Correct! Wrong!

During your preflight briefing you notice there is a NOTAM for GPS interference testing in the vicinity of the destination airport. If you experience GPS anomalies while setting up for an RNAV/GPS approach at the destination, you should:

Continue with the GPS approach as long as RAIM is available.

Continue with the GPS approach, once all the approach fixes have been manually verified against the approach chart.

Report the anomaly to ATC and request an instrument approach which relies on an alternate form of navigation.

Correct! Wrong!

What indication should a pilot receive when a VOR station is undergoing maintenance and may be considered unreliable?

No coded identification, but possible navigation indications.

A voice recording on the VOR frequency announcing that the VOR is out of service for maintenance.

Coded identification, but no navigation indications.

Correct! Wrong!

When can you operate an airplane below the MEA on a published airway route segment?

When flying VFR on Top.

When flying at or above the MOCA and navigation signals are available.

When you can maintain at least 1,000 feet AGL in mountainous terrain.

Correct! Wrong!

You are planning an IFR flight in an airplane with a panel-mounted GPS receiver. What verification must be accomplished before this flight takes place?

That the intended route of flight and GPS approach has been saved in the GPS memory, so you can still use the GPS if a RAIM outage occurs.

That your phone or EFB has adequate GPS signal so you can use it as a backup in the event your panel-mount GPS fails.

RAIM availability must be confirmed for the intended route of flight and GPS approach.

Correct! Wrong!

(Refer to figure 234) You are currently crossing ESACO inbound on the LOC 18 approach with a single navigation radio, and the glide slope is inoperative. Which MDA must you use if you plan to fly the approach at 90 knots?

1395

1720

1780

Correct! Wrong!

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IFR Focus Team

The IFR Focus Team is made up of experienced flight instructors, professional pilots, and editors dedicated to helping instrument pilots sharpen their skills. Drawing on decades of real-world flying and teaching experience, the team curates practical tips, training resources, and scenario-based content to make IFR flying safer and more enjoyable.

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