IFR Currency Requirements Under 14 CFR 61.57(c)

14 CFR 61.57(c) establishes the instrument experience requirements for acting as PIC under IFR or in weather conditions less than VFR minimums. Within the preceding 6 calendar months, you must have performed and logged:

Six instrument approaches. These can be precision approaches (ILS, GLS), non-precision approaches (VOR, GPS, RNAV, LOC, NDB), or a combination. Each approach must be logged with the type, location, and date. Partial panel or circling approaches count if they meet the criteria.

Holding procedures. At least one holding pattern entry and hold. The regulation does not specify a minimum number, but you must demonstrate proficiency in holding. Most pilots log at least one hold per currency cycle.

Intercepting and tracking courses. This includes intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems — VOR radials, GPS courses, localizer courses, or similar. This is typically accomplished during approach procedures.

If you have not completed the required instrument experience within 6 calendar months, you enter a grace period. During months 7 through 12, you can regain currency by completing all the required tasks (6 approaches, holding, intercepting and tracking) — but you cannot act as PIC under IFR until you do so.

During the grace period, you may complete the required experience in actual IMC with another qualified pilot serving as PIC, under simulated instrument conditions with a safety pilot, or in an approved flight simulator or flight training device. A CFII is not required during the grace period — you just need to perform and log the tasks.

The grace period is a common source of confusion. You are not current during this time. You cannot file IFR and fly as the sole manipulator of the controls in IMC. You can, however, fly VFR and work on regaining your instrument currency.

If 12 calendar months pass without completing the required instrument experience (the original 6 months plus the 6-month grace period), you must pass an Instrument Proficiency Check before acting as PIC under IFR. The IPC is defined in 14 CFR 61.57(d).

An IPC is a comprehensive evaluation covering the areas of operation and tasks from the Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards (ACS). It is more thorough than simply flying six approaches — the evaluator assesses your knowledge and skill across the full spectrum of instrument flying, including partial panel, unusual attitudes, holds, approaches, missed approaches, and ATC communications.

The IPC must be administered by a CFII (Certificated Flight Instructor — Instrument), a designated pilot examiner (DPE), an FAA inspector, or an authorized check airman. Upon satisfactory completion, the evaluator endorses your logbook, and you are instrument current for the next 6 calendar months.

Proper logging is essential. For each instrument approach, log the date, location (airport identifier), type of approach (e.g., ILS RWY 28L, GPS RWY 4), and whether it was in actual IMC, simulated instrument conditions, or a simulator/FTD. If flown under simulated conditions, log the name of the safety pilot.

For holding procedures, log the fix or intersection where you held, the type of entry, and whether it was in actual or simulated conditions. For intercepting and tracking, logging the approach procedure typically suffices since these tasks are inherent in most instrument approaches.

The FAA does not prescribe a specific logbook format, but your entries must be detailed enough to substantiate your currency. Many electronic logbooks automatically track instrument currency based on your logged approaches and holds. AeroCopilot can help you track these requirements automatically.

Instrument approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking can be accomplished in an aircraft (actual or simulated IMC), an FAA-approved Full Flight Simulator (FFS), a Flight Training Device (FTD), or an Aviation Training Device (ATD). The type of device determines whether an instructor is required.

In an aircraft under actual instrument conditions, you can log the experience without an instructor — though you are acting as PIC and must be current to do so. Under simulated instrument conditions (wearing a view-limiting device), you need a safety pilot who holds at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings.

In an approved simulator, FTD, or ATD, you can accomplish all the required tasks. For a BATD (Basic Aviation Training Device) or AATD (Advanced Aviation Training Device), a CFII or other authorized instructor must be present. Check the device's letter of authorization for any limitations on what can be credited.

A flight review (14 CFR 61.56) and an IPC (14 CFR 61.57) are separate requirements. The flight review covers your general pilot privileges, while the IPC specifically addresses instrument proficiency. Completing an IPC does not satisfy the flight review requirement, and vice versa.

However, many CFIIs will combine both into a single session — conducting a flight review and an IPC together. This is efficient and ensures both requirements are met. Make sure your logbook reflects separate endorsements for each.

An IPC is generally more rigorous than a standard flight review. It covers the full Instrument ACS, including procedures and maneuvers that may not come up in a basic flight review. If you regularly fly IFR, an IPC combined with a flight review is an excellent way to maintain comprehensive proficiency.