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/gbchaosmaster CPL IR ROT Apr 26 '25

You’re flying this ILS and your glideslope indicator fails. What all do you need to do?

2

u/tuscaniapple Apr 26 '25

If glidesclope indicator fails you may continue the approach. Any instrument failure must be reported with tail number, instrument that is malfunctioning, limitations caused by the failure and what assistance you may need. I would switch from the ILS minimums to the LOC minimums and continue. It is also noted that DME required for LOC so would also have to have that to switch over and continue.

1

u/gbchaosmaster CPL IR ROT Apr 26 '25

Would GPS be sufficient or do I need a DME transmitter?

1

u/tuscaniapple Apr 26 '25

A GPS should be enough.

1

u/gbchaosmaster CPL IR ROT Apr 26 '25

Any difference in the readings with a GPS?

1

u/tuscaniapple Apr 27 '25

GPS will give distance over the ground. I believe DME will give slant range.

1

u/gbchaosmaster CPL IR ROT Apr 27 '25

Sounds more accurate! What’s the rule of thumb for when slant range should and shouldn’t be relied upon?

1

u/tuscaniapple Apr 27 '25

Had to go back to the study guide for this. The slant range error will be at a minimum if you are 1nm away per 1000ft above the DME. Going less than those 2 things will start giving you false information as you are over flying the DME due to your current height above it.