A private pilot who holds an instrument rating has not logged the approaches, holding, and course tracking required by 14 CFR 61.57(c) for the past 9 months. What must this pilot do before acting as pilot in command under IFR?
- AComplete a standard flight review under 61.56
- BLog 6 hours of simulated instrument time with a safety pilot within 60 days
- CFly 6 instrument approaches solo within the next 30 days
- DComplete an instrument proficiency check meeting the requirements of 61.57(d)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Complete an instrument proficiency check meeting the requirements of 61.57(d)
Under 61.57(c), a pilot has 6 calendar months plus an additional 6-month grace period to regain instrument currency by flying the required tasks with a safety pilot. If currency is not regained within that combined period (as here, 9 months without recency, exceeding the 6-month base period and requiring action beyond the grace window), the pilot must satisfactorily complete an instrument proficiency check (IPC) per 61.57(d) before acting as PIC under IFR.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A flight review under 61.56 does not address instrument currency requirements.
- B. Logging hours with a safety pilot within 60 days does not match the regulatory remedy after the grace period lapses.
- C. Simply flying more approaches solo does not satisfy the requirement once the grace period has expired; an IPC administered by a qualified person is required.
Instrument Proficiency Check (61.57(d))
Required when a pilot fails to maintain instrument currency under 61.57(c) and the 6-month grace period has also lapsed; must be given by an examiner, authorized instructor, or other FAA-approved person.
- Base currency: 6 approaches, holding, tracking in 6 calendar months
- Grace period: additional 6 months to requalify without IPC
- IPC required if grace period also lapses
- IPC covers representative sample of Instrument Rating ACS areas
Memory trick: Six months to fly it, six more to try it, then IPC to fly it right.