Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

When can a pilot log instrument flight time?

1. A when operating the aircraft solely by reference to instruments

2. B during visual flight conditions

3. C when flying without an instructor

4. D only when taking an instrument competency check

The correct answer is: A when operating the aircraft solely by reference to instruments

A pilot can log instrument flight time when operating the aircraft solely by reference to instruments. This definition is critical because instrument flight time is intended to reflect the experience gained while flying in conditions that require reliance on instruments for navigation and control, rather than visual references. Logging instrument time is essential for meeting regulatory requirements and for building experience toward obtaining or maintaining an instrument rating. This time is typically accrued during actual instrument flight conditions, such as flying in low visibility or clouds, or during simulated conditions with an appropriate safety pilot. While it is still important to note the context of the other choices, they do not meet the criteria for logging instrument flight time. For instance, flying during visual flight conditions does not require reliance on instruments for navigation, and thus does not count as instrument time. Additionally, flying without an instructor does not inherently qualify for logging instrument time unless the conditions meet the required criteria. Lastly, only flying during an instrument competency check does not encompass all potential scenarios where instrument time can be accrued, thus limiting the scope of experience that could be counted.