A pilot last logged qualifying instrument experience (approaches, holding, and tracking) 8 calendar months ago and has not flown any instrument approaches since. The pilot now wants to file and fly an IFR flight as PIC. What must the pilot do to legally act as PIC under IFR?
- ALog six hours of simulated instrument time within the next 30 days
- BNothing additional; currency automatically renews after 12 months
- CFly two instrument approaches with a safety pilot to reestablish currency
- DComplete an instrument proficiency check (IPC) with an authorized instructor or examiner
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Complete an instrument proficiency check (IPC) with an authorized instructor or examiner
Under 14 CFR 61.57(d), if a pilot fails to meet instrument experience requirements for more than 6 calendar months (i.e., beyond the initial 6-month currency period plus the following 6-month grace period), the pilot must pass an instrument proficiency check (IPC) administered by an authorized instructor, examiner, or FAA inspector before acting as PIC under IFR. Since 8 months have elapsed, the pilot is past the point where simply logging approaches with a safety pilot restores currency; an IPC is now required.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. There is no rule allowing currency restoration purely by logging simulated hours without an IPC after this lapse.
- B. Currency does not auto-renew; it must be actively reestablished by regulation.
- C. Once beyond the 6+6 month lapse window, self-logged approaches with a safety pilot no longer satisfy the requirement; an IPC is mandated.
Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) Trigger
If a pilot fails to meet instrument currency for more than 6 months beyond the initial 6-month period (i.e., total lapse over 6 months past due), an IPC per 61.57(d) is required before further IFR PIC operations.
- 6 months: normal currency window
- Next 6 months: grace period to regain currency via approaches/holding/tracking
- After 12 months total lapse: IPC required with instructor/examiner
Memory trick: '6 to fly, 6 to try, then IPC to qualify.'