FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Flight Maneuvers and EndorsementsMedium
A pilot's instrument currency lapsed more than six calendar months ago. According to 14 CFR 61.57(d), to act as pilot in command under IFR, the pilot must:
- ASimply log six approaches, holding, and course tracking with a safety pilot
- BLog six instrument approaches with any pilot within the next 30 days
- CRetake the instrument rating practical test in full
- 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
Once instrument currency has lapsed beyond six calendar months, 61.57(d) requires an instrument proficiency check administered by an authorized instructor, examiner, or other person authorized by the Administrator, rather than simply logging approaches on one's own.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This describes maintaining currency before it lapses, not reestablishing it afterward.
- B. Logging approaches without oversight is only valid within the initial six-month currency window, not after it lapses.
- C. A full practical test is not required; the IPC is a less extensive proficiency check.
Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)
A review required under 14 CFR 61.57(d) when a pilot's instrument currency has lapsed more than six calendar months, conducted with an authorized instructor or examiner.
- Required after currency lapse exceeds 6 calendar months
- Conducted with a CFII, examiner, or other authorized person
- Covers tasks from the Instrument Rating ACS at instructor's discretion
- Restores eligibility to act as PIC under IFR
Memory trick: 'Past six months, call an instructor' — self-logging no longer counts.