FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Regulations and CurrencyEasy
To meet the recent instrument experience requirements of 14 CFR 61.57(c) without a flight in actual weather conditions, a pilot must accomplish which combination of tasks within the preceding 6 calendar months?
- A6 hours of instrument time and one instrument approach to minimums
- B3 instrument approaches, holding, and one VOR/DME arc
- C6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems
- D6 instrument approaches and a cross-country flight of at least 250 NM under IFR
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems
14 CFR 61.57(c) requires six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems, all within the preceding 6 calendar months, to remain current for IFR flight.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Total instrument time and a single approach do not satisfy 61.57(c).
- B. Three approaches and a VOR/DME arc are not the regulatory requirement.
- D. There is no cross-country distance requirement in the currency regulation.
Instrument Currency (61.57(c))
To act as PIC under IFR or in IMC, a pilot must have performed 6 approaches, holding, and course intercept/tracking tasks within the preceding 6 calendar months.
- Applies within preceding 6 calendar months
- Includes 6 approaches, holding, intercepting/tracking courses
- If lapsed beyond 6+6 months, an IPC is required
Memory trick: '6 in 6' - six approaches, holding, tracking, six months.