Technical Amendment to IFR Currency Requirements - 14 CFR 61.57 (d) describes the requirements
for an instrument proficiency check (IPC), and includes a description of when
an IPC is necessary. While certain exceptions apply, a pilot may
reestablish instrument currency that has been lapsed for more than 6 months
only through obtaining an IPC.
On December 16, 2011, the FAA issued a technical correction to section 61.57 (d) in order to clarify the meaning of the regulation. This clarification was simply just that, a clarification, and no change to the application of the rule was intended. As the FAA explained in that technical correction (emphasis added):
The revised language makes it clear that a pilot who has failed to
maintain instrument currency for more than six calendar months may not serve as
pilot in command under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums
prescribed for VFR until completing an instrument proficiency check. A pilot
whose instrument currency has been lapsed for less than six months may continue
to reestablish instrument currency by performing the tasks and maneuvers
required in paragraph (c).
Notwithstanding the exceptions on 61.57 (e), the following timeline
illustrates the correct application of 61.57 (d):
January 31, 2012: A pilot is no longer instrument current because they no
longer meet the recent experience requirements found in 61.57 (c). This
pilot may no longer act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of an aircraft operating under
IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR.
February 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012: The pilot has between these dates in order
to obtain the recent experience requirements found in 61.57 (c). This
experience may be obtained through instruction, the use of a safety pilot, or
through a simulator / training device.
August 1, 2012: If by this date the pilot had not regained instrument currency,
the only method by which a pilot may become instrument current again is by
obtaining an IPC.
The FAA has become aware of some recent blogs, emails, and website comments
that contain confusion about the technical correction and the current meaning
of the rule. The FAAST Blast issued today will hopefully alleviate that
confusion.
For additional information, please
review the latest technical correction to 61.57 at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-16/pdf/2011-32333.pdf.
-FAASTeam