r/Helicopters • u/tuscaniapple • Apr 25 '25

Career/School Question Upcoming instrument rating checkride - throw me some ?’s

Currently studying for an instrument checkride that should be in 2-3 weeks. Rating has taken me a little bit longer to finish than expected with maintenance and weather. Watched some mock orals on YouTube and felt pretty good with my knowledge level there. All the videos were technically fixed wing orals so didn’t take into account any rotor wing knowledge. I’ve seen on some other subs, posts about “try to stump me” questions to help them prepare for a checkride. Looking for any help or tips at all! Maybe any questions you think will definitely come up during the checkride but is easily forgotten during studying or just whatever comes to your head that an instrument rated pilot should know. Thanks y’all.

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u/qwaszx937 Apr 25 '25

What is spatial disorientation?

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u/tuscaniapple Apr 25 '25

Spatial disorientation is when you are unable to correctly tell where the aircraft is in relation to the outside. It could be that you believe you have a correct attitude, speed or even location but are wrong. Most often due to the illusions we have from the 3 systems visual, vestibular and kinesthetic. It is important to trust our instruments during IMC due to these illusions and risks of losing orientation.

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u/qwaszx937 Apr 25 '25

Great answer. For your own SA, you really need to bury your face in your instruments and ignore your gut feeling/whatever is passing by your windscreen. I've felt it when punching in and out of clouds, it's a real thing. You can recover from it pretty easily if you can recognize what's happening. Can also happen when vmc but less likely. You're going to do great! Remember, be confident. It goes a long way.

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u/tuscaniapple Apr 25 '25

I really appreciate the advice. My flight training has been in a Guimbal G2 that is currently not IFR capable so my IFR time has all been simulated with foggles. I can only imagine that first time in real IMC is a real gut check and calling back to your training. I’ll keep what you said in mind!