Applicants are expected to utilize an autopilot and/or flight management system (FMS), if properly installed, during the instrument practical test to assist in the management of the aircraft. The examiner is expected to test the applicant’s knowledge of the systems that are installed and operative during the oral and flight portions of the practical test. The applicant will be required to demonstrate the use of the autopilot and/or FMS during one of the nonprecision approaches.
If the practical test is conducted in the aircraft, and the aircraft has an operable and properly installed GPS, the applicant must demonstrate GPS approach proficiency when asked.
The required radio equipment is that which is necessary for communications with ATC, and for the performance of two of the following nonprecision approaches: VOR, NDB, GPS, LOC, LDA, SDF, or RNAV and one precision approach: ILS, LPV, GLS, or MLS. GPS equipment must be instrument certified and contain the current database. If the database is expired or the unit is not IFR certified, the RNAV/GPS may only be used for enhanced situational awareness. It may not be used as a substitute for DME or ADF.
If the applicant has contracted for training in an approved course that includes GPS training in the system that is installed in the airplane/simulator/FTD and the airplane/simulator/FTD used for the checking/testing has the same system properly installed and operable, the applicant must demonstrate GPS approach proficiency.
Modern technology has introduced into aviation a new method of displaying flight instruments, such as Electronic Flight Instrument Systems, Integrated Flight Deck displays, and others. For the purpose of the practical test standards, any flight instrument display that utilizes LCD or picture tube like displays will be referred to as "Electronic Flight Instrument Display." Aircraft equipped with this technology may or may not have separate backup flight instruments installed. The abnormal or emergency procedure for loss of the electronic flight instrument display appropriate to the aircraft will be evaluated in the Loss of Primary Instruments
TASK. The loss of the primary electronic flight instrument display must be tailored to failures that would normally be encountered in the aircraft. If the aircraft is capable, total failure of the electronic flight instrument display, or a supporting component, with access only to the standby flight instruments or backup display shall be evaluated.
Commercial Pilot:
Applicants are encouraged to use any/all of the installed equipment unless an in-flight failure is simulated. This includes VFR/IFR RNAV equipment and the autopilot.