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How do you maintain IFR currency?
To remain instrument current, the regulation requires that within the preceding 6 calendar months from the month of the flight, a person perform and log at least; 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems.
Who can perform an IPC check?
1. Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) Requirements
- A safety pilot (in VFR conditions with a vision restricting device)
- A certified flight instructor (CFI)
- A certified instrument flight instructor (CFII)
How do you stay IFR current?
To stay instrument current in an airplane, you must have complied with 14CFR61. 57(c), which states, a pilot must have performed and logged the following task within the preceding 6 calendar months: Six instrument approaches.
Is there a 6 month grace period for instrument currency?
If you haven’t met currency requirements, you have another 6 calendar months to complete 6 approaches, tracking and intercepting, and holding before you’ll have to complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC). During this 6 month grace period, you cannot act as PIC under IFR or in conditions less than VFR.
Can you get instrument current by yourself?
The only catch is that you can’t fly IFR on your own until you get current. That means you must use a safety pilot or CFII to get current. As soon as you do those six approaches, a hold, and intercepting and tracking a course, then you’re legal to go fly IFR again.
How do pilots stay current?
The third-class medical certificate you hold as a private pilot also needs to be periodically renewed to stay current. If you’re under 40 years old, the certificate is good for 60 months from the month in which it is issued. Once you turn 40, though, you will need to update your certificate every 24 months.
What can you do with instrument seeking currency?
As the pilot seeking currency, you can now work towards logging the required amount of instrument approaches, tracking and intercepting, and holding.
How is currency maintained in an Aviation Simulator?
Over the last 12 months, the FAA has made significant changes to how you can maintain instrument currency. Previously, if you chose to maintain currency by only using an Aviation Training Device (ATD), then you were required to perform the following:
What’s the difference between basic and advanced instrument currency?
There is still a designation for Basic (BATD), and Advanced (AATD), and those differences can be found in AC 61-136. The second component is essential because it removes the need for an instructor to be present during instrument recency. The FAA did this because they now believe that “instrument recency experience is not training.”
How can I maintain my FAA instrument currency?
As you can see, the FAA has made it easier than ever before to maintain your instrument currency. You can do this by using any combination of an aircraft, FFS, FTD or ATD. If you are not sure which approach is best for you to maintain your currency, please contact American Flyers for guidance and advice.