FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Regulations and CurrencyEasy
A pilot's last six-month instrument currency window (61.57(c)) lapsed without completing the required six instrument approaches, holding, and course tracking tasks. It has now been 9 months since the pilot's last IFR flight. According to 14 CFR 61.57(c)(2), what may the pilot do to regain currency?
- AThe pilot may act as PIC under IFR for one more flight while completing the tasks en route
- BThe pilot must complete an Instrument Proficiency Check regardless of the elapsed time
- CComplete the required tasks with a safety pilot within the next 6 months, but may not act as PIC under IFR until then
- DFile an IFR flight plan and complete the tasks solo since it has been less than 12 months
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Complete the required tasks with a safety pilot within the next 6 months, but may not act as PIC under IFR until then
Under 61.57(c)(2), a pilot who lets currency lapse has an additional 6 calendar months (12 total from the last currency date) to complete the six approaches, holding, and tracking tasks, but may not act as PIC under IFR until the tasks are completed. If the full 12 months elapses without completing them, an IPC is then required.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect — 61.57(c) does not permit acting as PIC under IFR while still non-current.
- B. Incorrect — an IPC is only required after the full 12-month period lapses without regaining currency.
- D. Incorrect — the pilot cannot act as PIC under IFR during the grace period, even solo.
61.57(c)(2) Grace Period
A pilot who lets the 6-month instrument currency lapse has an additional 6 months to regain it, but cannot act as PIC under IFR until the tasks are completed.
- 6 months to stay current, 6 more months grace to regain it
- Cannot log IFR PIC time during grace period
- After 12 months total, an IPC is required
Memory trick: Six to stay current, six more to catch up — but stay grounded (IFR) while you do.