11.currency-and-recency. Instrument Currency and Recency of Experience
Holding an instrument rating is not the same as being current to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR). The privilege to act as pilot in command (PIC) under IFR—or in weather conditions less than VMC—must be continually re-earned through recent flight experience. The Federal Aviation Regulations distinguish between proficiency (the ability to safely operate in the system) and currency (the legal threshold of recent experience). Both are required, but they are not the same thing.
The 6-6-HIT Requirement (14 CFR 61.57(c))
Within the 6 calendar months preceding the month of flight, a pilot acting as PIC under IFR or in IMC must have performed and logged the following tasks in the appropriate category of aircraft, a full flight simulator, flight training device (FTD), or aviation training device (ATD):
- Six instrument approaches
- Holding procedures and tasks
- Intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems
A common memory aid is "6 HITS in 6 months" (Six approaches, Holding, Intercepting, Tracking). All tasks must be performed in actual or simulated instrument conditions. Simulated conditions require a view-limiting device when conducted in an aircraft, and the safety pilot requirements of 14 CFR 91.109 apply.
Aircraft Category and Logging
Currency is established by category of aircraft (airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, etc.), not by class. An airplane single-engine land approach counts toward currency for any airplane, but it does not establish helicopter currency. Approaches must be flown to published minimums to count, and the aircraft must transition from instrument to visual flight only after passing the final approach fix (FAF) inbound, with the approach flown to MDA or DA.
When using an ATD, FTD, or full flight simulator, the device must be approved for the tasks logged, and the pilot must log the location, type of device, total time, and tasks accomplished.
The Grace Period and Becoming Non-Current
If a pilot fails to meet the 6-6-HIT experience within the preceding 6 calendar months, a 6-month grace period begins. During this grace period, the pilot may regain currency by performing the required tasks in actual or simulated IMC—but only with a safety pilot in VMC, or with an authorized instructor. The pilot may not act as PIC under IFR or in IMC during the grace period until currency is reestablished.
If more than 12 calendar months elapse since the pilot last met the recency requirements, the pilot must complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) given by:
- An authorized instructor (CFII)
- An examiner
- A person approved by the FAA to conduct instrument practical tests
- Certain military and Part 121/135 check airmen, as specified
The IPC is conducted in accordance with the Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and includes the areas of operation specified for the rating. There is no minimum time for an IPC; it ends when the evaluator is satisfied the applicant meets ACS standards.
Example Timeline
Assume a pilot last logged the 6-6-HIT tasks in June 2024. Currency extends through December 31, 2024 (the end of the sixth calendar month). The grace period runs January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025—during this window the pilot cannot act as PIC under IFR but may regain currency with a safety pilot or instructor. On July 1, 2025, more than 12 calendar months have passed, and an IPC is required.
Currency vs. Proficiency
Meeting 61.57(c) is the legal minimum. The FAA emphasizes throughout the Instrument Flying Handbook that currency does not equal proficiency. A pilot who flies six approaches on a clear VFR day under the hood with a safety pilot is legally current but may be wholly unprepared for a low-IMC approach to minimums in turbulence. Personal minimums, recurrent training, and scenario-based practice in conditions approximating real IFR flight are the cornerstone of true proficiency.
Recommended best practices include:
- Flying at least one approach every 30–45 days
- Mixing precision (ILS, LPV) and non-precision (LNAV, VOR, LOC) approaches
- Practicing partial-panel and unusual attitude recoveries
- Including holds entered from each direction (direct, parallel, teardrop)
- Periodic IPCs even when not legally required
Logging Best Practices
A defensible logbook entry for instrument currency should clearly show: date, aircraft or device used, route or location, type of approach (e.g., ILS RWY 27, RNAV (GPS) RWY 4 LPV), whether flown in actual or simulated conditions, holding entry and pattern flown, and the navigation tracking task. Vague entries such as "IFR practice" do not survive scrutiny during a ramp check or an insurance claim.
Ultimately, the 6-month/12-month structure of 61.57(c) is a floor, not a ceiling. Sound risk management dictates that the busy single-pilot IFR operator treat currency as the minimum legal hurdle and proficiency as the operational standard.