Quiz: IFR Cross-Country Planning

IFR cross-country planning pulls together a lot of moving parts—altitudes, airways, terrain, weather requirements, and a careful reading of the regulations and charts that tie it all together. Whether you’re planning a short hop under a busy terminal area or a longer enroute segment over unfamiliar terrain, the decisions you make before departure often matter as much as anything you do in the air.

This quiz focuses on the kinds of scenarios pilots regularly study in FAA knowledge training and testing environments, where chart interpretation and regulatory knowledge intersect. You’ll see questions on minimum altitudes, route structure, alternate requirements, and enroute planning details that sometimes hide in plain sight. Some are straightforward, others require a closer look at how the rules apply in context. See how well you can translate the charts and regulations into sound IFR planning decisions.

(Refer to the figure.) When eastbound on V86 between Whitehall and Livingston, the minimum altitude that you should cross BZN is

8,500 feet.

10,900 feet.

10,200 feet.

Correct! Wrong!

You are flying an off-airways IFR flight over nonmountainous terrain. What is the rule regarding altitude and course to be maintained if no applicable minimum is prescribed?

1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 4 NM of course.

2,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 5 SM of course.

1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 3 NM of course.

Correct! Wrong!

(Refer to the figure) What is the MOCA between the HERRM intersection and the MANCA intersection on V187?

12,100 feet MSL.

12,400 feet MSL.

12,000 feet MSL.

Correct! Wrong!

When an alternate airport is required, what are the weather minimums that must be forecast at the ETA for an alternate airport that has a precision approach procedure?

600 foot ceiling and 2 statute miles visibility.

Ceiling 200 feet above field elevation and visibility 1 statute mile, but not less than the minimum visibility for the approach.

Ceiling 200 feet above the approach minimums and at least 1 statute mile visibility, but not less than the minimum visibility for the approach.

Correct! Wrong!

(Refer to the figure) For planning purposes, what is the highest useable altitude for an IFR flight on V16 from BGS VORTAC to ABI VORTAC?

6,500 feet MSL.

17,000 feet MSL.

18,000 feet MSL.

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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