Recommended format for the instrument rating

ground evaluation
(Initial skills test and revalidation check)

1. General

1.1. A ground evaluation is conducted in order to ascertain whether the candidate possesses
sufficient theoretical knowledge and whether he/she can apply this knowledge when
planning to conduct a flight in accordance with instrument flight rules (IFR) and in instrument
meteorological conditions (IMC).
1.2. DFEs are encouraged to follow the ground evaluation format presented in this document in
order to achieve and maintain a uniform standard.
1.3. The applicant should prepare himself or herself according to the ground evaluation format
presented in this document while using the recommended and any other applicable
reference material.
1.4. The ground evaluation for a revalidation check does not differ from the ground evaluation for
a skills test except that navigation planning is not required for the revalidation check.
1.5. For an initial instrument rating skills test a candidate is also required to prepare for an IFR
navigation flight. The scenario for this flight (time of departure, number of passengers, route,
destination, weather report, etc.) is supplied by the DFE prior to the ground evaluation.
1.6. The DFE may allow the candidate to consult any of the reference material during the ground
evaluation.
1.7. Questions must be applicable to the type of operation which the candidate plans to conduct
(e.g. RVSM is not applicable to an initial COM/IR on a Piper Seneca).
1.8. In order to fully and thoroughly evaluate the candidate, the SACAA recommends that the
duration of a ground evaluation should not be less than:
 1 hour for an initial skills test; and
 40 minutes for a revalidation check.

2. Relevant documentation and reference material

2.1. The following documentation and material must be available during the examination:
 Up-to-date and relevant en-route and area charts (Jeppesen or Aerad)
 Up-to-date and relevant SID and STAR charts (Jeppesen, Aerad or AIP)
 Up-to-date and relevant approach charts (Jeppesen, Aerad or AIP)
 AIP volumes GEN & ENR
 AIP volume AD
 PARTS 61, 67, 91, 121 and 135 of the SACAR and associated SA-CATS
 AIP SUPP and AIC

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  NOTAMS relevant to the route intended to be flown
 TAFs and METARS for the day of the flight (Synoptic chart and SIGWC as required by
DFE)
 All documentation relevant to the navigation flight (initial skills test only or as required by
DFE)
 Licence and up-to-date logbook
 Training portfolio (initial skills test only)
 Pilot Operating Handbook (POH).

3. Specific areas of knowledge

3.1. The DFE must assess the knowledge and the practical application of the aspects listed in
section 1 of form CA61-11.4:

Section 1: Ground evaluation

Aspects
CAR/CATS, AIP, SUPPLEMENTS, AICs, NOTAMs and completion of ATS flight plan
Interpretation of weather reports, forecasts and charts
Flight planning, aircraft performance and charts (SID,STAR, APP and en-route)
All weather operations
Technical knowledge of aircraft (POH, AFM as applicable)
En-route navigation preparation and preparation of IFR navigation log

3.2. The areas within an aspect from which practical questions may derive are listed and
discussed below.

4. SACAR and SACATS

4.1. The candidate must demonstrate general knowledge of the South African Civil Aviation
Regulations and also the ability to navigate through the publications.

4.2. The DFE may evaluate the candidate in any of the areas listed below:

4.2.1. SACAR Part 61

Instrument rating
Revalidation check
Logging of instrument flight time
Skills test for an instrument rating
Privileges and limitations of an instrument rating
Period of validity of an instrument rating
Revalidation of an instrument rating
In case of CPL maintenance of competency
Skills test for a commercial pilot licence
Privileges and limitations of a commercial pilot licence
Period of validity of a commercial pilot licence
Maintenance of competency for a commercial pilot licence

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In case of ATPL maintenance of competency
Skills test for a airline transport pilot licence
Privileges and limitations of an airline transport pilot licence
Period of validity of an airline transport pilot licence
Maintenance of competency for an airline transport pilot licence

SACAR Part 91

Recency
Duties of pilot-in-command regarding flight preparation
Duties of pilot-in-command regarding flight operations
Equipment for aircraft operated under IFR
Additional equipment for single-pilot operation under IMC or at night
Supplemental oxygen in the case of pressurised aircraft
Supplemental oxygen in the case of non-pressurised aircraft
Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) Operations
Mandatory radio communication in controlled airspace
Compliance with air traffic control clearance and instructions
Compliance with IFR
Aircraft equipment
Change from IFR flight to VFR flight
IFR procedures
Minimum heights
Semi-circular rule
Standard instrument approach to and departure from aerodrome
Aerodrome operating minima
Pre-flight selection of aerodromes
Planning minima for IFR flights
Meteorological conditions
Mass and balance
Fuel and oil supply
Instrument approach and departure procedures
Approach and landing conditions
Approach ban
Performance operating limitations

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 4.2.2. SA-CATS-OPS 91

Supplemental oxygen in the case of pressurised aircraft

Supplemental oxygen in the case of non-pressurised aircraft
Semi-circular rule
Minimum flight altitude
Aerodrome operating minima
Planning minima for IFR flight
Mass and balance
Fuel and oil supply

4.2.3. SACAR 135

Equipment for aeroplanes operated under IFR

Aeroplane performance operating limitation

4.2.4. SACAR 121

Equipment for aeroplanes operated under IFR

Aeroplane performance operating limitation

5. Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and Supplements

5.1. The AIP contains useful information for the preparation of all-weather operations. The
publication used for the evaluation must be up-to-date.

5.2. The DFE must ascertain whether the candidate has consulted the relevant AIP supplements
and NOTAMs.

5.3. The candidate must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the AIP sections listed below:

Aeronautical information services ------------------------------------------------- GEN 3.1

General rules -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ENR 1.1
Visual flight rules ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ENR 1.2
Instrument flight rules ---------------------------------------------------------------- ENR 1.3
Approach and departure procedures --------------------------------------------- ENR 1.5
Radar services procedures --------------------------------------------------------- ENR 1.6
Altimeter setting procedures ------------------------------------------------------- ENR 1.7
All weather operations & low visibility procedures ---------------------------- ENR 1.8
Flight planning ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ENR 1.10

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6. ATS flight plan

6.1. For an initial skills test the candidate must complete an ATS flight plan using the scenario
given by the DFE.

6.2. For a revalidation check, the DFE may evaluate the candidate in any aspect of an ATS flight
plan with emphasis on:

 Field 10 (equipment)

 Field 15 (cruising speed, level and route)

 Field 18 (search & rescue)

6.3. The DFE may allow the candidate to use AIC 40.2 (Search and Rescue procedures),
AIC 42.1 (Filing of flight plans and wake turbulence separation data) and any other reliable
reference publication if needed.

7. Interpretation of weather reports, forecasts and charts

7.1. The DFE shall require all candidates to read and interpret a complex aviation routine
weather report (METAR) and a terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF).

7.2. The candidate may also be required to interpret a significant weather chart as well as the
upper wind/temperature charts.

7.3. Emphasis should be placed on typical South African climatology.

7.4. The DFE may allow the candidate to use AIC 43.1 (meteorological aviation codes) or any
other SACAA publication as reference.

8. SID, STAR, APP and en-route charts

8.1. The candidate may use any of the following publications:

 South African AIP

 Jeppesen

 Aerad

 Any other approved publication

8.2. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to:

 Read and understand SID, STAR, APP and en-route charts; and

 Interpret the symbols depicted on any of the above charts.

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9. Aircraft performance

9.1. The evaluation of this aspect is based on the performance class of the aircraft usually flown
by the candidate.

9.2. The candidate must be familiar with the performance of his/her aircraft and show the ability
to navigate through the Pilot Operating Handbook.

9.3. DFEs and candidates are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the performance
sections of the certification regulations FAR 23 / FAR 25 as well as the relevant information
in ICAO document 8168.

9.4. The DFE may ask questions on any of the following topics:

 Take-off distance
 Take-off run
 Accelerate stop distance
 Climb performance all engines operative (rate of climb and climb gradients)
 Climb performance one engine inoperative (rate of climb and climb gradient)
 Service ceiling with one engine inoperative
 Power setting and fuel consumption
 Cruise performance (endurance and range)
 Performance affected by temperature/density/rain/icing
 Landing distance including wet or contaminated runway
 Go-around and missed approach.

10. Scenario based evaluation (SBE)

10.1. General concept

10.1.1. Scenario-based evaluation is an effective means to bridge pure theory with real
world situations and is a tool which enables the DFE to evaluate not only the pure
theory (knowledge) but also, and more importantly, the application of the theory in
real world situations.

Furthermore, SBE is most effective when evaluating the Higher Order Thinking
Skills (HOTS). These skills are aeronautical decision making, risk management,
automation management, situational awareness, and Controlled Flight into Terrain
(CFIT) awareness.

SBEs must be designed to match the Practical

Theoretical
field of aviation in which the application in
knowledge
candidate operates (i.e. charter, real world
airline, private, executive) or the
training of the candidate in case of
an initial skills test. SBE

10.1.2. There are two types of scenarios for the purpose of this document:

a. Full flight scenario

A scenario given to the candidate either in advance (for an initial skills test)
or during the evaluation (for a revalidation check).
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b. Micro-scenario
A short scenario taken from any phase of a flight, given to the candidate
during the evaluation (initial and revalidation).
Usually this type of scenario serves to assess the management of in-flight
threats and errors, aeronautical decision making, etc. It also provides the
opportunity for questions not applicable to the full flight scenario.

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10.1.3. Design of a scenario based evaluation

Each phase/element of the scenario has to accommodate questions which derive

from the areas listed in paragraphs 4 to 9 above.
A scenario should include the entire flight profile as well as non-normal procedures
(icing, engine failures, radio failure, etc).
A flight profile could consist of:
 Take-off
 Take-off alternate
 SID
 Climb
 En-route
 Descent
 STAR
 Approach
 Missed approach
 Destination alternate
 Landing.

10.1.4. Questions

A question requires either a straight answer, an explanation or a discussion

between DFE and candidate. When aeronautical decision making (ADM) is part of
a question, discussion might be necessary and the DFE is encouraged to provide
adequate input.
When the correct answer to a question means that a flight cannot take place, the
DFE will remove/change the limitation which causes the situation and allow the
ground evaluation to continue.

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Take-off: En-Route: Approach:
What is the minimum Visibility required for What is the lowest en-route flight level/altitude permitted and motivate Can you request or elect a procedure
take-off from FAWB? your selection ? turn approach on a direct track from
HBV to MMV track ?
What would the visibility and ceiling What does “E>” along an airway mean on an en-route chart?
requirements be to land back at FAWB? Will a landing on runway 04 at your
Name the airspaces, their class and vertical boundaries entered during
ETA be advisable? If not, what will
Explain your action if you were compelled to this flight.
the procedure be ?
return to FAWB shortly after take-off while Explain your action in case of a complete radio failure 40 nm from
experiencing complete radio failure (ADM). Is it more likely that a visual approach
FAMM.
will be possible? Motivate your
What should the minimum vertical obstacle Explain what MEA (Minimum En-route Altitude) means and show an answer ?
clearance height be on the take-off flight example on the en-route chart
path? What is your rate of descent on the
final approach leg in order to
maintain the published constant
descent gradient for the VOR C
EXAMPLE SCENARIO I for an IR revalidation check (CPL) RWY04 APP at 100 kts (IAS)?
Operation: Part 135 (single pilot) While maintaining the published MDA
for VOR app 04 you have sufficient
Aircraft: Single engine Piston (cruising speed 135 kts)
visual references approximately 1
Fuel: Quantity & consumption: 125 l at 50 l/hr dme from MMV. Will a safe landing
Pre-flight consideration: Route: FAWB-FAMM (distance 145nm and track 283°M) be ensured should you decide to
continue ?
Is your aircraft suitable for a Part 135 ETD: Required to land at FAMM at latest 0400Z on
operation in IMC ? 15/02/11
The flight folio of your aircraft indicates that Passengers: 2 (one passenger has heart problems)
the ALT mode of your autopilot deactivates Weather TAF:
occasionally. Can you legally undertake the Micro-scenarios:
flight ? TAF FAWB 150200Z 1503/1509 24010KT 2000 0VC004 During the missed approach at FAMM,
FEW030CB BKN070 one of your passengers is showing
Name the destination alternate(s) and
motivate your choice(s) (ADM).
TAF FALA 150200Z 1503/1509 20015KT 7000 BKN008 symptoms of a heart attack. What will
FEW030CB TEMPO your actions be (ADM)?
What should the planning minima be at 1505/1507 18015G25KT 2000 TSRA BKN005
your destination alternates ? En-route from FAPB to FATZ what
TAF FAMM 150200Z 1503/1509 19010KT 7000 OVC006 minimum altitude should you initially
What would you insert in field 10 BKN030CB TEMPO 1504/1506 22015G25KT 1400 TSRA
(equipment) of your ATS FP form if your be overhead “TZ”? Is it advisable to
BKN006 BECMG 1506/1509 7000 BKN015 conduct a procedure turn approach
aircraft is equipped with a VHF radio, VOR,
ADF, DME, ILS and a GPS? Metar: with a non-pressurized aircraft (AIP-
METAR FAMM 150200Z 20015KT 7000 OVC005 FEW///CB AD and ADM)?
Explain how to calculate the minimum
amount of fuel required for this flight. 11/08 Q1014 NOSIG= While established on the localizer,
ATC advises you that the RVR has
Can you legally undertake this flight with ENR weather: OVC F0140/1000 with embedded thunderstorms
reduced to 400 meters. May you
the fuel on board ? WIND 300/25 and temp +4 at FL 100
continue with the approach?
Explain recency requirements relevant to Notams: What is the minimum RVR for a CAT I
this flight . FAPN: AD CLSD due to WIP ILS APP (single pilot) if your auto-pilot
Which legal SA publication gives you the FALA: ILS and DME U/S is not coupled to the ILS ?
latest up-to-date approach chart?
FAMM SALS rwy 04/22 U/S

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Take-off, climb and SID: En-Route: Approach:
What is the accelerate / stop distance of Would the drift-down level allow you to route direct to FAEL? While under Radar control and 20 nm
your aircraft if the OAT at FAJS is 25° C What type of route is the W94F and what is the service inbound to ELV from MZV, ATC clears
with a dry rwy (POH)? provided? you to 3000 feet. Explain your actions
What is the aeroplane’s expected single Explain “10900T” indicated below the designator of the route An EAT has been given to you. At 20
engine climb gradient in a clean W94F nm inbound, you experience a radio
configuration shortly after take-off from Explain the term “MEA” and give the MEAs for your flight failure while maintaining flight level100
FAJS (POH)? (last cleared) explain your actions.
Explain the term “MAA” above route indicator A402 from FAEL
Is the climb gradient of 4.4% on the SID to FAPE While established on ILS Rwy 29 at 5
RAGUL 3A plate a one engine dme the RVR is reported as 400 m.
inoperative requirement? Motivate your explain your actions
answer Why will you check the crossing altitude
While on the SID RAGUL 3A you at 3.5 dme?
experience a radio failure and one of EXAMPLE SCENARIO II for an IR revalidation check (CPL) Your co-pilot has become incapacitated
your engines shows an abnormal ITT due to food poisoning about 30 nm
Operation: Part 135
rise. What will your actions be (ADM) inbound to ELV. Explain your action and
Aircraft: Multi-engine turbo-prop. B1900 D
consideration regarding minima.
Fuel: Quantity & consumption: 3500 lbs at 1300lbs/hr
SID RAGUL 3A (rwy 03L)
Route: FAJS-FAEL
th
Pre-flight considerations: ETD: 0430Z on the 15 of July
Is a take-off alternate required and Passengers: 5 (2 passengers on wheelchairs)
available and discuss? Weather TAF:
Explain and motivate your planned TAF FAJS 150300Z 1504/1516 06010KT 0500 0VC003 BKN050 Micro-scenarios:
routing (ADM) FM0600 9999 SCT070 During your preparation for a flight to
What would you insert in fields 15 (route) TAF FALA 150300Z 1504/1516 07015KT 1500 OVC007 FM0600 FACT you are given an RVR of 600 m
and 18 (other info) of your ATS FP form? 9999 SCT070 and a ceiling of 150 feet. Can you
Explain how to calculate the minimum TAF FABL 150300Z 1504/1516 29025KT 9999 BKN010 BCMG legally go, provided you have selected
amount of fuel required for this flight. 1014 8000 OVC007 the appropriate alternate aerodromes ?
Explain recency relevant to this flight? TAF FAPE 150300Z 1504/1516 1500 28030KT 0VC005 -RA En-route to George, you are given a
TAF FAEL 150300Z 1504/1516 0500 22035KT BKN006 BCMG visibility of 400 m for ILS Z Rwy 29 (AD
What are the considerations regarding
your passengers (ADM)
0711 OVC003 RA Rwy has full facility). May you attempt
Weather METAR: the approach ?
What typical weather pattern are you
expecting en-route and at destination FAJS 150400Z 06008KT R03L/0500 OVC003 10/09 Q1028 NOSIG
(SA climatology)? ENR weather: OVC F240/3000 with embedded thunderstorms
Give the destination alternate and WIND 200/40 and temp minus 15° at FL 210
discuss expected scenarios. Notams:
Any a/c limitation for landing at FAEL FAEL: RWY 24 CLSD DUE TO WIP
(POH)?
ELV DME U/S
FAPE: ILS /DME PDI U/S
FALA: ILS and DME U/S

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