Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

What altitude is typically included in basic IFR clearance?

1. Final approach altitude

2. Initial altitude to climb to

3. Flight level cruising altitude

4. Minimum sector altitude

The correct answer is: Initial altitude to climb to

The initial altitude to climb to is typically included in basic IFR clearance because it provides the pilot with the necessary information to safely depart from the airport and transition into the en-route phase of flight. This altitude ensures that the aircraft can clear any obstructions in the vicinity of the departure airport and allows it to safely climb to a higher altitude for en-route operations. In IFR operations, the clearance given by air traffic control (ATC) will specify an initial altitude that the pilot should maintain after takeoff, and often this is at or above the minimum obstacle clearance altitude to ensure safety. This practice helps to standardize departures and ensures that all traffic is safely managed during the climb-out phase. The other choices refer to altitudes related to specific phases of flight but are not regularly part of the initial IFR clearance. Final approach altitude is relevant during the descent and approach phase, flight level cruising altitude pertains to cruising during the en-route phase, and minimum sector altitude relates to terrain clearance for specific navigational sectors, which are more specialized instructions provided later in the flight.