SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-ipc-lapse

Your instrument currency has lapsed for more than six calendar months. How do you become current again?

Complete an instrument proficiency check.

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  1. Pass a new instrument knowledge test
  2. Complete an instrument proficiency check ✔
  3. Log three approaches with a safety pilot

Why: Once the 6-month window is missed by more than six months, 61.57(d) says the only way back is an instrument proficiency check (IPC), flown to the Instrument ACS standards.

Huh, didn't know that: An IPC can be given by an examiner or an authorized instructor, among others listed in 61.57(d)(3).

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References

Answer: Complete an instrument proficiency check. Once the 6-month window is missed by more than six months, 61.57(d) says the only way back is an instrument proficiency check (IPC), flown to the Instrument ACS standards.

  1. 14 CFR 61.57 Recent flight experience: PIC www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.57
    may reestablish instrument currency only by completing an instrument proficiency check.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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FlyingTo act as PIC under IFR, how many instrument approaches must you log in the preceding 6 calendar months?FlyingUnder 91.167, after reaching the alternate, how long must an airplane be able to fly on remaining fuel at normal cruise?FlyingIn IFR lost communications, which route does 91.185 put first?

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