FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsEasy
A commercial pilot's most recent record shows six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses using navigation systems, all completed 5 months and 20 days ago. Tonight the pilot wants to file and fly an IFR flight plan in actual instrument conditions. Under 14 CFR 61.57(c), is the pilot current to act as PIC under IFR?
- AYes, the required tasks were completed within the preceding 6 calendar months
- BNo, an Instrument Proficiency Check is required after 90 days
- CNo, instrument experience must be repeated every 90 days
- DYes, but only the approaches count, not the holding procedures
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Yes, the required tasks were completed within the preceding 6 calendar months
14 CFR 61.57(c) requires six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting/tracking courses within the preceding 6 calendar months, not 90 days. Since the pilot completed these tasks within that window, currency is satisfied.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. An IPC is only required once the 6-month (plus 6-month grace) period has lapsed.
- C. 90-day recency applies to takeoffs/landings for carrying passengers, not instrument currency.
- D. All three tasks (approaches, holding, intercepting/tracking) must be completed, and here they were.
Instrument Currency (61.57(c))
To act as PIC under IFR or in IMC, a pilot must have performed within the preceding 6 calendar months at least 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting/tracking courses using navigational systems.
- 6 calendar months, not 90 days
- Must include 6 approaches, holding, and course intercept/tracking
- If lapsed >6 months, a 6-month grace period exists before an IPC is required
Memory trick: '6 in 6' — six tasks within six months keeps you IFR legal.