← All explained questions · Supplemental · VIII — Basic Instrument Maneuvers
If a Private Pilot encounters unintentional IMC during a VFR flight, the recommended action is to
Choices
descend below the cloud layer to maintain VFR contact.
Descending in IMC into terrain is the leading cause of CFIT.
✓ EXECUTE A 180° STANDARD-RATE TURN by reference to the attitude indicator.correct
return to known VFR conditions. if that's not possible, climb to MEA, contact ATC, declare emergency, accept vectors to VFR or to the nearest suitable airport. Standard VFR-into-IMC procedure: 180° standard-rate turn by reference to instruments — most VFR pilots haven't been deep into the weather and reversing course usually returns to VFR. If you can't reverse, climb to MEA, declare emergency, get ATC vectors. Accept the deviation to land at the nearest suitable airport. The 178-second statistic is why instrument practice matters.
continue to destination using GPS.
GPS doesn't provide attitude reference.
fly low over highways for visual reference.
Low-altitude IMC scud-running is one of the most lethal regimes.
Why
return to known VFR conditions. if that's not possible, climb to MEA, contact ATC, declare emergency, accept vectors to VFR or to the nearest suitable airport. Standard VFR-into-IMC procedure: 180° standard-rate turn by reference to instruments — most VFR pilots haven't been deep into the weather and reversing course usually returns to VFR. If you can't reverse, climb to MEA, declare emergency, get ATC vectors. Accept the deviation to land at the nearest suitable airport. The 178-second statistic is why instrument practice matters.
FAA source: PHAK Ch 17, AC 61-134; AC 61-134 General Aviation Controlled Flight Into Terrain Awarenessbrowse the reference library →
Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.