Pilot reference
Instrument currency and the IPC (61.57)
Instrument currency is a rolling six-calendar-month window. Miss it and there is a second six months to fix it yourself; miss that too and only an instrument proficiency check brings it back.
Am I instrument current?
This assumes all six approaches, the holding and the course tracking were completed by the end of that month. If they were spread over several months, use the month of the oldest one still inside the six-month look-back.
Staying current: 61.57(c)
To act as pilot in command under IFR, or in weather below VFR minimums, you must have performed and logged, within the 6 calendar months preceding the month of the flight, in actual or simulated instrument conditions (14 CFR 61.57(c)(1)):
- Six instrument approaches.
- Holding procedures and tasks.
- Intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems.
You can do them in an airplane, or in a full flight simulator, flight training device or aviation training device that represents the category, in any combination (61.57(c)(2)). In an airplane under simulated conditions you need a safety pilot, and that is a separate rule (91.109).
When you need an IPC: 61.57(d)
If you have failed to meet the 61.57(c) experience for more than six calendar months, the only way back is an instrument proficiency check. Until then, during the second six months, you can still regain currency by flying the tasks (with a safety pilot or instructor, or in a device), you just cannot act as PIC under IFR while you do.
What the IPC covers
Since 31 May 2024, 61.57(d)(1) ties the IPC to the Airman Certification Standards incorporated by reference in Part 61. For an airplane instrument rating that is the Instrument Rating ACS, FAA-S-ACS-8C, whose Appendix 1 lists the minimum tasks:
| Area of operation | Required tasks |
|---|---|
| I Preflight Preparation; II Preflight Procedures | None |
| III ATC Clearances and Procedures | B Holding Procedures |
| IV Flight by Reference to Instruments | B Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes |
| V Navigation Systems | A Intercepting and Tracking Navigational Systems and DME Arcs |
| VI Instrument Approach Procedures | All: non-precision, precision, missed approach, circling approach, landing from an instrument approach |
| VII Emergency Operations | B and C (multiengine only), D Approach with Loss of Primary Flight Instrument Indicators |
| VIII Postflight Procedures | All |
The person giving the check should build a scenario that covers as many tasks as practical. An advanced aviation training device (AATD) can be used for most of the IPC as its letter of authorization allows, but the circling approach, the landing and the multiengine tasks must be flown in an aircraft or a Level B, C or D simulator. A basic ATD cannot be used for any part of it.
Every code above links into our Instrument Rating ACS reference.
Who can give it, and in what
- An authorized instructor (a CFII), an examiner, an Armed Forces instrument check pilot for its members, a qualifying company check pilot, or another person approved by the FAA (61.57(d)(3)).
- In an aircraft appropriate to the category, or a full flight simulator or flight training device representing it (61.57(d)(2)).
- AC 61-65K numbers the IPC endorsement A.71: “I certify that [name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has satisfactorily completed the instrument proficiency check of 14 CFR § 61.57(d) in a [make/model] aircraft on [date].”
How long is instrument currency good for?
Until the end of the sixth calendar month after the month in which you completed the six approaches, holding and course tracking. Fly them all in March and you are current through 30 September.
When do I need an IPC instead of just flying approaches?
When you have been out of currency for more than six calendar months (14 CFR 61.57(d)). Inside that second six-month window you can still regain currency by logging the 61.57(c) tasks with a safety pilot, an instructor or in an approved device.
Can I do an IPC in a simulator?
Partly. 61.57(d)(2) allows a full flight simulator or FTD, and the Instrument ACS allows an AATD for most tasks under its letter of authorization, but the circling approach, landing and multiengine tasks must be in an aircraft or a Level B–D simulator. A basic ATD cannot be used for any part.
Does an IPC also count as a flight review?
Not automatically. The flight review is a separate requirement in 61.56, though 61.56(h) lets an instructor combine it with 61.57 requirements at their discretion. Ask for both endorsements if both are being done.
Sources
- 14 CFR 61.57, Recent flight experience: Pilot in command (eCFR Title 14, current as of 9 November 2026).
- Instrument Rating – Airplane ACS, FAA-S-ACS-8C (November 2023, effective 31 May 2024), Appendix 1, Instrument Proficiency Check; incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 61.14. FAA Airman Certification Standards page.
- AC 61-65K, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors, endorsement A.71. AC 61-98E, Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check, chapter 5.
- Checked on 11 November 2026. If a rule has changed since, the regulation governs; tell us and we will correct the page.
Keeping a club or a school current
FlightWay tracks every member’s flight review, medical and endorsements, warns before they lapse, and can stop a booking that would break the club’s rules. Flight reviews and IPCs are booked and signed in the same place.
Last updated 11 November 2026.