Prepare for Copying and Flying IFR Clearances | Lesson Prep

Your CFI's syllabus and your airplane's POH come first. This page is a general study aid to help you show up prepared.

What you'll do

Write the clearance in CRAFT order: Clearance limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency, Transponder code.
Read it back accurately, including altitudes, headings and codes.
Set up the avionics before takeoff: flight plan route, frequencies, departure procedure.
Comply with each instruction; if you can't, tell ATC right away.

Quoted from the current FAA Airman Certification Standards for each level that tests this.

Instrument Rating ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8C)Task IR.III.A · Compliance with Air Traffic Control Clearances

Correctly copy, read back, interpret, and comply with simulated or actual ATC clearances in a timely manner using standard phraseology as provided in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).
Correctly set communication frequencies, navigation systems (identifying when appropriate), and transponder codes in compliance with the ATC clearance.
Use the current and appropriate paper or electronic navigation publications.
Intercept all courses, radials, and bearings appropriate to the procedure, route, or clearance in a timely manner.
Maintain the applicable airspeed ±10 knots, headings ±10°, altitude ±100 feet; track a course, radial, or bearing within ¾-scale deflection of the course deviation indicator (CDI).
Use single-pilot resource management (SRM) or crew resource management (CRM), as appropriate.
Perform the appropriate checklist items relative to the phase of flight.

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