Understanding IFR Currency Requirements
IFR currency represents a regulatory framework that ensures that instrument-rated pilots maintain the necessary skills and proficiency to safely operate aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules. Unlike VFR flying, instrument flight demands precision, split-second decision-making, and specialized skills that deteriorate without consistent practice.
This regulation serves as a vital safety measure, preventing accidents when visual references become limited or vanish entirely.
The fundamental requirement is straightforward: complete specific flight maneuvers within the preceding six calendar months. Fall short of this standard? A pilot cannot legally act as PIC on an IFR flight plan or in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
IFR currency acts as a safeguard, ensuring pilots regularly hone their instrument skills. This practice maintains the precision required for safe IFR operations, protecting pilots, passengers, and other aircraft sharing the airspace.
Key Tasks for Maintaining IFR Currency
To maintain IFR currency, a pilot must perform and log the following tasks within the preceding six calendar months:
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Six instrument approaches.
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Holding procedures and tasks.
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Intercepting and tracking courses using navigational electronic systems.
Remember: these represent minimum requirements for legal currency, not necessarily proficiency. Experienced pilots and instructors recommend exceeding these minimums, particularly for those who rarely encounter actual IMC. A personal proficiency program that surpasses the required tasks improves both safety and confidence.
Performing Instrument Approaches
IFR currency requires completing six instrument approaches within the preceding six calendar months. These approaches must be performed in strict accordance with instrument flight procedures and can include precision approaches like ILS (Instrument Landing System), as well as non-precision approaches such as VOR, RNA (GPS), or LOC approaches.
When performing these approaches for currency purposes, pilots should execute them exactly as they would during actual instrument conditions. This means following the published procedure meticulously—from the initial approach fix through the missed approach point or landing. Each approach should be flown to published minimums, demanding precise altitude control and course tracking throughout the entire procedure.
For effective practice, vary the types of approaches and navigation aids used. Instead of repeating six identical ILS approaches, incorporate different types (RNA, VOR, localizer) at various airports. This strategy maintains a broader, more versatile skill set.
Using a Safety Pilot
When maintaining or regaining IFR currency, pilots can simulate instrument conditions while flying in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) by employing a safety pilot. This approach provides a cost-effective and flexible method to meet currency requirements without venturing into actual instrument conditions.
The safety pilot becomes the “eyes outside” while the instrument pilot wears a view-limiting device. According to FAR 91.109, the safety pilot must occupy a control seat and bears responsibility for seeing and avoiding other aircraft and obstacles.
A safety pilot must meet the following criteria:
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Hold at least a private pilot certificate with the appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft.
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Possess a current medical certificate.
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Note: An instrument rating is not required for the safety pilot.
The pilot flying under the view-limiting device logs simulated instrument time. Meanwhile, the safety pilot can log pilot-in-command (PIC) time, provided they’re acting as PIC.
This arrangement benefits both pilots: the instrument pilot maintains currency while the safety pilot builds valuable flight time. All such flights must be conducted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Regaining IFR Currency After a Lapse
Even the most dedicated pilots occasionally find their instrument currency lapsing due to weather constraints, aircraft availability, or personal circumstances. The FAA provides a clear pathway for pilots to regain their IFR privileges, with requirements that vary based on the duration of the lapse.
If fewer than six calendar months have passed since your currency lapsed, you enjoy a six-month grace period to regain it by completing the standard currency tasks. This can be accomplished in an aircraft or an approved flight simulator.
However, if your currency has lapsed by more than six months—meaning it’s been over 12 months since you were current—you must complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) with an authorized instructor (CFI).
The key restriction is this: you cannot act as pilot-in-command under IFR or in weather conditions less than VFR minimums until you’ve satisfied these requirements. This restriction applies universally, whether you’re flying commercially or privately. Proactive pilots schedule currency flights or simulator sessions well before expiration, avoiding the need for an IPC altogether.
Taking an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)
An Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) represents a comprehensive evaluation of your instrument flying abilities. This check becomes mandatory when your currency has lapsed for more than six calendar months.
An IPC must be conducted by either a Certificated Flight Instructor with an Instrument rating (CFI) or a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). The evaluation matches the initial instrument rating practical test.
The IPC follows the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and encompasses both ground and flight portions. The flight evaluation requires demonstrating proficiency across a comprehensive range of tasks, including precision and non-precision approaches, holding procedures, partial panel operations, recovery from unusual attitudes, and navigation with ATC communication.
An IPC differs from currency tasks by providing a comprehensive evaluation of overall instrument proficiency. The CFI can tailor the check to address identified weak areas. A successful IPC results in a logbook endorsement that fully restores IFR currency.
Simulator Training for IFR Currency
Flight simulators offer a practical and FAA-approved alternative to aircraft for maintaining IFR currency. The FAA recognizes several types of devices, including Basic Aviation Training Devices (BAND) and Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AAT).
Under FAR 61.57(c), pilots can utilize these devices to log the required tasks for currency. However, be aware of important limitations: while an AAT can be used for all currency tasks, a BAND has restrictions on certain requirements.
Simulator training delivers substantial advantages. They cost less than aircraft rental—simulators cost significantly less than renting an aircraft. They also provide safety benefits, allowing practice of emergency procedures (equipment failures, severe weather) in a completely risk-free environment. Furthermore, they offer convenience and flexibility, as simulators remain available regardless of weather or aircraft maintenance issues.
Many experienced instrument pilots exceed minimum currency requirements by incorporating regular simulator sessions into their proficiency programs. This practice develops and maintains instrument scan patterns, decision-making skills, and procedural knowledge—all essential components of safe IFR operations. For pilots who don’t frequently encounter actual instrument conditions, simulator training provides invaluable exposure to instrument flight challenges without associated risks.
Logging and Documenting IFR Flight Time
Properly documenting flight time serves as both a regulatory requirement (FAR 61.51) and the official record of IFR currency. Each logbook entry must include the date, aircraft make/model/registration number, total flight duration, and departure/arrival locations.
For currency purposes, you must also log the specific instrument tasks performed (approaches, holds, tracking) and the conditions under which they were completed (actual IMC, simulated, or simulator).
Document approach details thoroughly—note the type (ILS, RNA) and location. For holds, record the fix used. When using a safety pilot, their name must be entered in the logbook.
Many pilots use electronic logbooks that automatically track currency status and alert you when requirements approach expiration. These digital tools generate detailed reports showing your instrument experience over specific timeframes, simplifying compliance demonstration during check rides or FAA inspections.
Beyond minimum requirements, consider documenting additional details that track your proficiency development. Note challenging situations encountered, lessons learned, or areas requiring improvement. This approach makes your logbook a valuable tool for continuous enhancement of your instrument flying skills.
Conclusion: Staying Current Under IFR
Maintaining IFR currency goes beyond regulatory compliance—it represents a fundamental commitment to safety and professionalism. While FAR 61.57 establishes the minimum legal standard, true proficiency demands far more than meeting these basic requirements.
Allowing IFR currency to lapse carries serious consequences. Beyond the legal prohibition against IFR flight, skill degradation directly compromises safety. The IPC requirement following an extended lapse highlights an important fact: these skills demand constant practice.
Proactive pilots seamlessly integrate currency tasks into their regular flying rather than treating them as burdensome chores. They frequently exceed the minimums by actively seeking challenging scenarios and using simulators to stay sharp.
The important distinction between currency and proficiency: currency represents the legal minimum, while proficiency reflects your actual ability to fly safely. Strive for both, using currency requirements as opportunities to enhance your skills and maintain genuine instrument proficiency.