Purpose and Frequency

• Purpose: Restore IFR currency through evaluation and training
• Frequency: As needed — required only when instrument currency lapses and the 6-month grace period has passed
• Recommended: Once per year or as confidence lapses due to time or regulation changes

Requirements

An IPC is required when a pilot:

• Has not logged 6 instrument approaches, holding, and tracking/intercepting within the last 6 months, and
• Is beyond the additional 6-month grace period for regaining currency with a safety pilot or in a simulator

The IPC must include tasks outlined in the Instrument ACS, at a minimum:

• Instrument approaches with circling and missed (at least one precision and one non-precision)
• Holding procedures
• Intercepting and tracking navigational courses
• Unusual attitude recoveries

The requirements are very specific from FAR 61.57.(d)(1) as amplified and specified in the Instrument ACS pages 29-30.

Review, Guidance & Preparation

These FAA documents offer detailed guidance for pilots and instructors conducting IPCs:

• FAA Advisory Circular 61-98E – Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and IPC
• FAA Instrument Proficiency Check Guidance (Legacy FAA Publication)

Simulator Usage for Instrument Proficiency Checks

For IPC

• FAR 61.57(d)(1) directs the use of the instrument ACS for IPC requirements.
• The ACS allows an advanced ATD to conduct most (but NOT ALL) tasks for an IPC. See Instrument ACS page 30.
• The ACS allows does not allow a basic ATD to conduct any tasks for an IPC. See Instrument ACS page 30.

For Currency, Proficiency, and Skillbuilding

• I discuss use of aviation training devices for maintaining legal IFR currency as well as many simulators for maintaining skill-based proficiency on the Instrument Proficiency page.

My philosophy and approach

We develop a scenario that meets FAR 61.57.(d)(1) (covering areas of Instrument ACS pgs 29-30)

We will tailor the flight review to YOUR flying style and competence

• Ensure understanding of GPS use including approaches and alternates
• Conduct portion of the flight under IFR
• Ensure comfort and familiarity with rules and regulations
• We'll see if you want to "expand" any of your comfort areas & discuss the future proficiency plan.
• I'll document our discussion and flight topics and endorse your IPC.

NOTE: The more familiar you are with rules, regulations and more proficient at procedures (either by flying or simulation), the shorter and smoother the IPC!