Instrument Proficiency Check

FAR 91.1069 Instrument Proficiency Check

FAR 91.1069 sets instrument proficiency check rules for fractional ownership PICs and SICs, including approach currency, equipment tests, and flight check items.

In Plain English

FAR 91.1069 establishes Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) requirements for pilots flying under fractional ownership programs (Subpart K) when operating IFR.

  • PICs must pass an IPC within the previous 6 calendar months.
  • SICs must pass an IPC within the previous 12 calendar months.
  • To fly a precision approach under IFR, the pilot must have demonstrated that type within the last 6 months. For nonprecision approaches, the pilot must have demonstrated that type — or any two other different nonprecision types — within 6 months.

The demonstration must include at least one straight-in, one circling, and one missed approach, each flown to published minimums.

The IPC itself has two parts:

  • An oral or written equipment test covering emergencies, engines, fuel/lube, power settings, stall speeds, best engine-out speed, props, and aircraft systems.
  • A flight check covering instrument navigation, simulated emergencies, and standard approaches.

Checks are given by the Administrator or an authorized check pilot, and may be conducted in an approved simulator. Pilots flying multiple types must check in each type in rotation; single/multi-engine pilots alternate, starting in a multiengine aircraft. This rule keeps fractional crews sharp on the IFR skills they actually use in line operations.

Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.1069
§ 91.1069 Flight crew: Instrument proficiency check requirements. (a) No program manager or owner may use a pilot, nor may any person serve, as a pilot in command of an aircraft under IFR unless, since the beginning of the 6th month before that service, that pilot has passed an instrument proficiency check under this section administered by the Administrator or an authorized check pilot. (b) No program manager or owner may use a pilot, nor may any person serve, as a second command pilot of an aircraft under IFR unless, since the beginning of the 12th month before that service, that pilot has passed an instrument proficiency check under this section administered by the Administrator or an authorized check pilot. (c) No pilot may use any type of precision instrument approach procedure under IFR unless, since the beginning of the 6th month before that use, the pilot satisfactorily demonstrated that type of approach procedure. No pilot may use any type of nonprecision approach procedure under IFR unless, since the beginning of the 6th month before that use, the pilot has satisfactorily demonstrated either that type of approach procedure or any other two different types of nonprecision approach procedures. The instrument approach procedure or procedures must include at least one straight-in approach, one circling approach, and one missed approach. Each type of approach procedure demonstrated must be conducted to published minimums for that procedure. (d) The instrument proficiency checks required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section consists of either an oral or written equipment test (or a combination) and a flight check under simulated or actual IFR conditions. The equipment test includes questions on emergency procedures, engine operation, fuel and lubrication systems, power settings, stall speeds, best engine-out speed, propeller and supercharger operations, and hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical systems, as appropriate. The flight check includes navigation by instruments, recovery from simulated emergencies, and standard instrument approaches involving navigational facilities which that pilot is to be authorized to use. (e) Each pilot taking the instrument proficiency check must show that standard of competence required by § 91.1065(d). (1) The instrument proficiency check must— (i) For a pilot in command of an aircraft requiring that the PIC hold an airline transport pilot certificate, include the procedures and maneuvers for an airline transport pilot certificate in the particular type of aircraft, if appropriate; and (ii) For a pilot in command of a rotorcraft or a second in command of any aircraft requiring that the SIC hold a commercial pilot certificate include the procedures and maneuvers for a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating and, if required, for the appropriate type rating. (2) The instrument proficiency check must be given by an authorized check pilot or by the Administrator. (f) If the pilot is assigned to pilot only one type of aircraft, that pilot must take the instrument proficiency check required by paragraph (a) of this section in that type of aircraft. (g) If the pilot in command is assigned to pilot more than one type of aircraft, that pilot must take the instrument proficiency check required by paragraph (a) of this section in each type of aircraft to which that pilot is assigned, in rotation, but not more than one flight check during each period described in paragraph (a) of this section. (h) If the pilot in command is assigned to pilot both single-engine and multiengine aircraft, that pilot must initially take the instrument proficiency check required by paragraph (a) of this section in a multiengine aircraft, and each succeeding check alternately in single-engine and multiengine aircraft, but not more than one flight check during each period described in paragraph (a) of this section. (i) All or portions of a required flight check may be given in an aircraft simulator or other appropriate training device, if approved by the Administrator.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1How recently must a fractional PIC have passed an instrument proficiency check to fly IFR?
Per FAR 91.1069(a), the PIC must have passed an IPC since the beginning of the 6th month before the flight; for an SIC, FAR 91.1069(b) requires it within the previous 12 months.
Q2What approach currency does FAR 91.1069 require before flying a specific approach type under IFR?
FAR 91.1069(c) requires the pilot to have demonstrated that precision approach within the last 6 months, or for nonprecision, that type or any two other different nonprecision types, including a straight-in, a circling, and a missed approach to published minimums.
Q3What does the IPC under FAR 91.1069 actually consist of?
FAR 91.1069(d) requires an oral or written equipment test (covering items like emergencies, engines, fuel, systems, and stall/engine-out speeds) plus a flight check under simulated or actual IFR including instrument navigation, emergency recovery, and standard approaches.
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FAR 91.1069 — Fractional IPC Requirements for Pilots