This one has been on my mind for quite some time, largely because I have spoken to a large number of (very capable) students desperately trying to pass this seemingly horrendous exam in order to obtain their IF-rated Commercial licences. Afterall, the amount of aviation companies out there seeking VFR pilots for their operations is virtually non-existent. Similarly, we also have a number of private pilots, many of whom are very experienced, who are keen to both challenge themselves and improve the safety of general aviation by obtaining an instrument rating.
The introduction of a single theoretical exam for the IF rating seemed like a good idea, especially for those who did not have the time to study for, and pass virtually all of the CPL subjects. However, as it turns out, you will probably end up studying all the CPL material (and even that is not enough), just to write one exam – not exactly a win.
The problem is that this exam is a mash of all different subjects, with no specific breakdown of the weight in questions of each subject, so, as it is computer generated, you could in your first attempt receive twenty questions relating to human performance, and on another day you will get twenty relating to procedures with only one human performance. Thus, attempting to improve your score after a first failure could be completely futile as the next exam could have a completely different breakdown. Even more depressing, is that the SA CAA themselves cannot provide an indication of suitable material resources which will cover all aspects of the exam. Sure, aviation is a field where one has to study alot, but usually there is set material, like a POH, or a checklist, and rarely requires the development of in-depth research skills which perhaps certain university degrees require. What I am suggesting is that if you want to pass this exam, firstly you are going to have to allocate a significant amount of time, and secondly, you are going to need to put in alot of individual research beyond what is ‘recommended’.
While the statistics are not available to me, I can conclude from the input of many students, that the pass rate is more than grim. I have not spoken to human who has passed the exam first time, or anyone who knows of someone. I am sure that there must be at least one such person, but most likely someone who has had many years flying experience, and significant instrument flying knowledge. In general, the shortest amount of attempts to pass seems to be in the region of three, while fourteen tries is not unheard of. Let’s also not forget the two month waiting period and you can determine just how detrimental to new careers this can all be!
So, if you are one of those on suicide watch as a result of the IF Rating exam, here’s what I think you should do:
Firstly, all the complaining to the CAA is unlikely to have any impact for the immediate future, so we have to find ways of raising the standard. By this, I mean that students who usually sail through other subjects using question banks with little research and book time, are going to have to put in ten times the effort – there is no short cut on this one! You will have to find new resources, try EVERYTHING before you even attempt to write this exam. When looking at the syllabus (an absolute must!), the common question is always ‘How much detail do they want me to know on this particular aspect?’. My theory, is to go even more detailed on that topic than if you wrote that individual subject. Do not rely on the material that you used for the individual subject. As the elements derived from each subject are listed on the syllabus, I suggest that you go into even greater detail on these, in short, do extra research!
Next, I strongly suggest doing some IF training / demonstration, at least in a SIM to get a practical understanding of IF flying. Once again look at the syllabus, especially when it comes to procedures, and even ask an instructor to demonstrate these for you. Personally, reading about procedures never really made sense to me until I started flying them.
Study material – the biggest question of them all! I have done some interrogations of students who have actually passed, and alot of these materials are not on the CAA recommended list, so take heed! The key is to take the items I am going to list, and apply them to the elements of the syllabus you are working on. Once you have finished a subject ‘section’ of the syllabus, then you should try practice questions from various source banks, not just one (yes, I know this going to heat up the credit card!).
So here goes:
Books and documents:
- CAA recommended list click here
- ICAO 8168 Vol.1
- Understanding CATS and CARS
- Understanding Jeppesen
- AIC 005-2016
- Pilot Exams – FAA IF study material
- Jeppeson / Avex Manuals
- Documents on GNSS | RAIM Approaches
Question Banks:
- Question Bank
- Pilot Exams
- Exam 11
- BSG Online
My feeling is, it CAN be done, just as man built aircraft, but you are going to have to give it all you have got! For those struggling, just keep up the determination, it may be frustrating, but nothing is impossible. Please take the time to comment below on your experiences, and let’s make an effort to help each other 🙂
Students! Got a question or topic you're stuck on?
Let us post the explanation…
I obtained my CPL and instructor rating overseas and enjoyed the content and practical application of each subject come exam time. I converted my licence and rating on return to SA and found just the opposite – knowing the theory well and trying to apply it is a complete waste of time – you can only pass if you learn the questions. This makes for poor pilots which the CAA seems intent on producing. I passed the IR exam on my 6th attempt – having never failed a single subject previously. It is an astronomical amount of work with little more than a syllabus as guide. Pilot Exams and Aeroversity over and over again is the only way to get through. It’s the worst exam I’ve had to prepare for and take – you have to be motivated and self- disciplined to keep going. Hopefully the CAA will eventually realise the error of their ways.
Managed to pass after my first attempt yesterday with a mark of 91%. Did the exam as soon as I finished the comm exams so my knowledge of most subjects was still good, I used the avex books and used 3 question banks namely Pilot exams, Aeroversity, and Question bank. I probably did over 100 mock exams in total, half of which were done on Pilot exams. In my exam I found that most of the questions I had seen in Pilot exams were there, but I would not suggest using pilot exams alone, it’s important to get exposed to as many different questions as possible and to be averaging atleast 90% in each mock exam and try aiming for an average of +95% in the pilots exam mocks. Yes I know it sounds like a crazy amount of work but it’s a crazy exam to be honest. Goodluck fellow Aviators!
I passed that exam the 5th time after failing 4 times.
I had
-72%
-73%
-74%
-71%
Then I finally passed it with 75% after studying for 2.5 months. I would have been upset with that score knowing the time that I actually put in to study it and compared to my other scores but a pass is a pass and I’m just grateful.
Man thanks for the heads up
Im doing my first CPL exam on Friday this has helped me
The best of luck from Essential Pilot!
I’am on the verge on giving up on this exam… I have been studying so so hard for this exam but I just can’t seem to pass it.
My results: 66%
74%
72%
As you can imagine this is really frustrating, i have really put so much effort into this exam and worked through thousands of questions. Next Monday the 13th of August… I will be attempting this exam for the 4th time!
This is very frustrating and most utterly,heartbreaking especially when you know you’re doing your best but SACAA says “no,no,no”
When I’d decided to be a pilot, no one told me about procedures; no one warned me 🤧
And it looks like there is no way out. I’m almost at the verge of giving up . It somehow feels like dying is easier than living to write this Procedures and Ops examination. It’s not fair! Very inhuman of the examination body: and I can be sure my health status has declined in attempt to prepare well enough for this examination paper and pass. I’ve written it 2 times already, and my stress level for the 3rd attempt is frightening 😫😫😫 Procedures is giving me thoughts of just testing on CPL Multi-VFR but it wouldn’t be helpful in the west African part of Africa where I’m from; but then again, half a loaf is better than none …
I promise, in my next life, I’ll be an actress😫🤞🏽. Pilot, for who?!
68%
66%
And I’m attempting again on the 23rd July,2018.If the comment session had a feature to voice record, I’ll have a lot to say. Dear SACAA, I feel I’m drowning in life because of this IF examination paper of 101 questions😫😫 but my lifeguard,Christ, He walks on water .
All the best to us all for this silly paper,again
Just hang in there! It will be a huge achievement when you do pass. Be courageous, keep working hard even if you fail, and you will get it eventually 🙂
It is frustrating to wait 2 months after a 3rd failure, you forget a lot of the work in 2 months.
65%
70%
70%
so close but yet so far, gotta keep pushing to make dreams a reality
The key is not to give up! It may take more dedication than ever before, but it will be worth it. See Peter’s comment below 🙂
Wooow that was close😥 I’m hoping you’ve passed it now
My son Nikolai Ivanoff has passed this exam, first time, how you my ask? by dedicated time to study all of the material over a two month period, and of course using question bank, where he answered some 20 000 questions, it take complete preparation,hard work 8- 5 each day but it’s not impossible to do, plan the work load, and consistency of execution is the key. Good luck to you all.
Hearty congratulations! Completely agree, and thanks for the input 🙂