Quiz: IFR Arrivals and Departures
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Arrivals and departures are where IFR flying shifts from procedure memorization to real chart interpretation. This quiz challenges you to read SIDs and STARs the way they’re actually used—identifying transitions, understanding altitude requirements, and knowing what to do when things don’t go as planned. The answers are all on the chart, but only if you know where (and how) to look.
(Refer to the figures) While inbound to Dallas Ft. Worth Airport, you're assigned the Glen Rose Nine Arrival, JUMBO transition (JUMBO.JEN9). What fix does the transition begin at?
Correct!
Wrong!
(Refer to the figure) What procedure should be followed if communications are lost before reaching 11,000 feet when flying the DIRDY transition?
Correct!
Wrong!
(Refer to the figure) What route should you take if cleared for the Grand Junction Six Departure, Squat Transition, from Runway 11 and your assigned route is V8?
Correct!
Wrong!
(Refer to the figure) When flying the STELA.STELA1 arrival, what altitude restriction can you expect to receive along the procedure?
Correct!
Wrong!
(Refer to the figure) When flying the SQUAT transition, what is the minimum altitude you must climb to during the procedure?
Correct!
Wrong!
Instrument Transitions
You got out of 5 right!
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.
Latest posts by IFR Focus Team (see all)
- Webinar Video: Using a Home Simulator for IFR Training and Proficiency - February 20, 2026
- Video Tip: Entering a Hold with ForeFlight Hold Advisor - February 10, 2026
- February is IFR month at Sporty’s - February 6, 2026
The STELA.STELA1 answer needs further explication:
1.Both STELA and CAM have altitudes that are over- and under scored. Why would CAM not have a mandatory altitude of 17,000 if assigned by ATC, just as STELA has 11,000?
2. For that matter, why is SWEDE at or below FL230 not a correct answer?
3, SWEDE looks like a waypoint, not an intersection, so I wrongly assumed that was a trick answer.
That being said, thanks for all the great work you do.
You’re assigned Stella.stella1 so your entry point is Stella. You might not even cross CAM or Swede so that restriction might not apply.
(Refer to the figure) What route should you take if cleared for the Grand Junction Six Departure, Squat Transition, from Runway 11 and your assigned route is V8?
The correct answer is the 1st option, which I almost choose, except it states “direct JNC and direct to SQUAT”. It says nothing about a procedure turn which I assume is necessary?