Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Practice Exam

In mountainous terrain, the potential for turbulence and downdrafts is a critical preflight consideration for IFR flights. This is because topographical features can significantly disrupt airflow, leading to unpredictable weather patterns. Mountains can create mechanical turbulence as air is forced to rise over the peaks and can also result in downdrafts on the leeward side, which can be especially hazardous for an aircraft operating in IFR conditions. Understanding these factors is essential for ensuring safe operations, as they can affect the aircraft's stability and control during flight.

While other factors such as weather conditions at lower altitudes, altimeter settings, and the weight of the aircraft payload are also important considerations, they do not directly address the unique challenges posed by mountainous terrain, particularly in the context of maintaining aircraft control and safety in turbulent conditions.