Alright. I am thinking of resuming my IR training from last year, and this time I want to get the written done first.
My question - is there a single book that comes highly recommended that I can read to cover all the necessary knowledge?
This is another religious discussion...Everyone has their favorite material. However....you can get the PTS (FAA-S-8081-4E) from the FAA website, and there's a list of material from where the written exam gets the questions but definitely download
Instrument Handbook FAA-H-8083-15B
Instrument Procedures FAA-H-8261-1A
Risk Management FAA-H-8083-2
AC 00-6A Aviation Weather
AC 00-45G Weather Services
On the other hand, are you looking to merely pass the written, or understand instrument flying? If just passing the written, there are any number of suppliers (Gleim, Dauntless, ASA, etc) that offer electronic & paper Q&A study material whose sole purpose is to pass the written.
Here's interesting comments about the written, don't know where I found it. What's missing are the questions on GPS, since this list was written before the FAA started emphasizing GPS. Now if they'd only get rid of the RMI and fixed ADF questions....
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The Written
--Study up on RNAV approaches. Use the plates in your Jepp or Gleim book on RNAV
--Know how many waypoints are needed for a complete approach.
--Know how to interpret the RMI.
--Know how to interpret the panel to determine aircraft attitude and which instrument has failed.
--Know how to interpret the panel to determine the unusual attitude and required procedure.
--Know how to interpret the fixed-card ADF and heading of the plane.
--Know the 24hour low-level significant weather prognostic chart.
--Know aeromedical factors...especially hypoxia.
--Know the aircraft codes determined by equipment aboard.
--Know your approach plate symbols such as the lightning bolt symbol and the Maltese cross.
--Know the minimum altitude specified for glide slope interception -- make sure you know what every number is for.
--Know the 'upper level charts' like those synonymous with the tropopause or winds aloft. Know the simple questions in using the charts such as when should you switch VOR's.
--Be prepared to calculate DME arc lengths in Instrument Departure Procedures.
--Know how 'line of sight' distances determine frequency selection.
--Be able to interpret a METAR to calculate the depth of the overcast layer. (AGL or MSL)
--Know the facts on being PIC and currency requirements.
--To carry passengers for hire AT NIGHT you need to have...?
--Know how to interpret the HSI.
--Be able to interpret your position on the front/back course of the localizer with respect to a VOR display or HSI display.
--Know NTSB 830 regulations and reporting requirements.
How do you meet the requirements for entering controlled (Class E) airspace in IMC with a filed IFR flight plan but without an ATC clearance?
--Know the rules for NORDO operations as required by FAR 91.185.
--Know how to determine your location on the airway' by interpreting VOR displays.
--Know how to interpret the altimeter...and use the words for the altitude indicated.
--Know the distinctions between and importance of the MRA, MEA and MOCA.
--Know how the MSA circle is made on the approach plate.
--Know when you can descend from an ATC assigned altitude anywhere on the approach.
--How to determine and enter a holding pattern entries using NDBs.
--Know the appropriate entry method to the facility (VOR) specified in the missed approach procedure.
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