11.ipc. Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)
An Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) is the evaluation a pilot must successfully complete to regain instrument currency after the recency-of-experience requirements of 14 CFR 61.57(c) have lapsed for more than six calendar months beyond the original currency window. Once the six look-back months expire and another six months pass without re-establishing currency through normal means (six approaches, holding, intercepting and tracking courses), the pilot may not act as pilot in command under IFR or in IMC until an IPC is completed.
Who May Administer an IPC
Per 14 CFR 61.57(d), an IPC may be conducted by:
- An FAA-designated examiner
- An authorized instructor (CFII)
- A person approved by the Administrator (e.g., military instrument flight examiner, 135 check airman, training center evaluator)
- The U.S. Armed Forces, for its pilots
The IPC must be performed in an aircraft, full flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device approved for that purpose, and in actual or simulated instrument conditions.
Content of the Check
The IPC is conducted in accordance with the Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards (ACS). The evaluator selects tasks from the ACS that, taken together, demonstrate the applicant can safely operate in the IFR system. At a minimum, an IPC includes:
- Air Traffic Control clearances and procedures — copying, reading back, and complying with a clearance
- Flight by reference to instruments — basic attitude instrument flying, including unusual attitude recovery
- Navigation systems — intercepting and tracking courses, and use of the installed avionics (GPS, VOR, ILS, RNAV)
- Instrument approach procedures — at least one precision approach (ILS, LPV, or PAR) and at least one nonprecision approach (VOR, LOC, LNAV, LNAV/VNAV, LDA, RNAV without vertical guidance, NDB, or ASR), including a circling approach if circling minimums apply
- Missed approach procedures — including one from a precision approach
- Holding procedures — entry and timing
- Recovery from unusual flight attitudes by reference to instruments
- Postflight procedures — checking notes, securing the aircraft, and debriefing
For multiengine airplanes, the IPC also includes a nonprecision approach with one engine inoperative or simulated inoperative.
Difference Between Currency and Proficiency
A pilot may be legally current without being proficient. Currency is met by logging within the preceding 6 calendar months: six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems. Proficiency, by contrast, is the ability to fly the aircraft in the IFR system to ACS standards under realistic conditions. The IPC bridges that gap when currency is lost — but the FAA strongly recommends pilots seek recurrent training well before currency lapses.
Recovery of Currency Without an IPC
If the pilot is within the 6-month grace period after currency lapses, instrument privileges may be restored by completing the required tasks (six approaches, holding, course intercepting/tracking) in actual or simulated IMC, either alone (in actual IMC under IFR) or with an appropriately rated safety pilot (simulated IMC under VFR). Once that 6-month grace period expires, an IPC is the only way back.
Example Timeline
- Month 0: Pilot completes six approaches, holding, and tracking on June 1.
- Month 6 (Dec 1): Currency lapses; pilot has not flown IFR.
- Months 6–12: Grace period — pilot may regain currency by performing the tasks under safety pilot or in actual IMC.
- After Month 12: An IPC is required before any further IFR/IMC operations as PIC.
Logging the IPC
The person administering the IPC endorses the pilot's logbook indicating the type of check, date, and aircraft used, and signs with their certificate number and expiration. AC 61-65 provides the recommended endorsement language.
Preparation Strategy
A well-prepared applicant should:
- Review the current Instrument Rating ACS task elements
- Review applicable FAR Parts 61 and 91, including 91.167–91.193
- Brief the avionics suite — particularly GPS database currency, RNAV approach modes, and autopilot use
- Practice partial-panel flight, unusual attitude recovery, and circling approaches
- Be prepared for an oral discussion of weather, alternates, fuel requirements, and equipment requirements
The IPC is not a checkride in the certificate sense — no temporary airman certificate is issued — but it is a comprehensive evaluation. A failed IPC results in no logbook endorsement; the pilot remains not current and may seek additional training before re-attempting.