Instrument PIC Recency of Experience & Logging Requirements

6mo have passed and you have not completed your “6 HITS”. How do you regain currency now?

You are not current, but have an additional 6 months (grace period) to log the “6 HITS”

• Safety Pilot required - holds at least PPL w/appropriate cat/class and valid medical

• Aircraft must have Dual Control System

More than 6mo has passed since you were IFR current. How do you regain currency?

If not current in 12mos, an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) is required w/a CFII.

• Some IPC tasks can be completed in a sim

• The required tasks are in IFR ACS appen 5

To meet recent instrument requirements, the following must be recorded in logbook:

• Location & type of each instrument approach

• Name of safety pilot if required

What areas of operation must the IPC cover?

• ATC clearances & procedures

• Flight by reference to instruments

• Navigation systems

• Instrument Approach Procedures

• Emergency Procedures

• Post-flight procedures

What are some IFR recency of experience exemptions?

• PIC actively employed by Part 121/135 operator is exempt when operating under Part 91/121/ or 135 FOR THAT OPERATOR

• As long as they comply w/recency of experience requirements applicable for that operation

How would you log your time in a full flight sim (ATD/FTD) for acquiring instrument aeronautical experience (61.51) if:

You were training towards a cert or rating?

For training towards a cert or rating, a CFII is present to observe and signs the logbook to verify time and content of session

How would you log your time in a full flight sim (ATD/FTD) for acquiring instrument aeronautical experience (61.51) if:

You were using it for IFR recency requirements?

For IFR recency requirements, you would log:

• Training device, time, & content

What are the requirements to be able to log instrument approach procedures?

• Must fly solely by reference to instruments (61.51g1)

• Be ESTABLISHED on each required segment of the IAP down to its published minimums

  • the IAF, IF, & FAF segments are required for logging the approach, unless;

  • When radar vectored to final by ATC

• If conducted in simulated IMC in a aircraft, FFS/ATD/FTD, simulated conditions must continue down to MDA or DA

• In aircraft, flight must be in actual or simulated IMC

• In aircraft, if conditions change from IMC to VMC during the final approach segment, you can still log the approach