Clarification: IFR Currency Requirements

[RotorAndWing]

From FAASafety.gov


Clarification: IFR Currency Requirements

Notice Number: NOTC3489

Technical Amendment to IFR Currency Requirements
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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).
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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. This FAAST Blast 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.​

 

[nddons]

Just to confirm, this is for the second six month period. In the first six months out of currency, you can perform the tasks (6 approaches, etc.) and get current.

For example, my last approach was in July. I'm no longer current. I've scheduled an IPC with my CFII in February, and another one in March (trying to go from being current to being proficient again, and I'm a glutton for punishment.) These sessions don't NEED to be an IPC with a CFII; I could pull a qualified safety pilot to do these things. I wouldn't need to have an IPC until after July 2012.

I guess I always thought that this was the rule to begin with. I wonder what the controvery was and why they felt a need to clarify this.

 

[denverpilot]

There was a previous change that had wording that made it look like you couldn't do it after you lapsed. Caused confusion.