Instrument Proficiency Check Lesson Plan
Special Cases • 14 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 61.57(d)
The Instrument Proficiency Check Lesson Plan provides a structured evaluation and training plan for restoring instrument currency under 14 CFR 61.57(d).
Introduction
Schedule
Topic:Time:Pilot Interview and Ground Review:1:00Instrument Procedures and Operations:1:30Postflight Discussion:0:15Planned Time:0:00Attention Getter:
- Present an instrument scenario in which legal currency alone does not provide the proficiency needed to manage weather, automation, workload, and an unexpected approach change.
Motivator:
- An IPC (Instrument Proficiency Check) restores instrument currency only after the pilot demonstrates the required standard; focused preparation makes the check a meaningful proficiency event rather than a regulatory exercise.
Objective:
- Determine that the pilot meets the instrument proficiency requirements of §61.57(d) and provide training necessary to correct identified deficiencies.
Materials
Required Materials:
- Pilot and medical qualification documents, logbook, aircraft documents, operating handbook, and checklists.
- Current charts, procedures, weather information, flight-planning resources, and view-limiting device when applicable.
References:
Instructor Actions
Preparation and Ground Review:
- Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain the pilot's instrument experience, recent approaches, aircraft and avionics experience, typical missions, and reasons for loss of currency.
- Confirm the person conducting the IPC and the aircraft, full flight simulator, or flight training device meet applicable requirements.
- Use retrieval questioning to have the learner explain instrument qualifications and currency, weather and alternate decisions, IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flight planning, aircraft systems and limitations, navigation equipment, clearances, lost communications, emergencies, and risk management.
Instrument Operations:
- Use the current Instrument Rating ACS (Airman Certification Standards) and AC 61-98E to construct a representative plan of action appropriate to the aircraft and equipment.
- Evaluate aircraft control by reference to instruments, navigation systems, holding, intercepting and tracking, instrument approaches, missed approaches, partial-panel or failed-instrument operations, and applicable emergency procedures.
- Evaluate checklist use, automation management, situational awareness, workload management, and aeronautical decision-making throughout realistic scenarios.
- Provide additional instruction until the pilot demonstrates the required standard.
Postflight:
- Debrief technical performance, decisions, risk controls, strengths, and remaining deficiencies.
- When satisfactory, make the IPC logbook endorsement recommended by current FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) guidance.
- When not satisfactory, record training given as appropriate, withhold the IPC endorsement, and create a plan for additional training.
Student Actions
- Provide an accurate record of instrument experience and equipment familiarity.
- Prepare the assigned IFR flight, weather analysis, alternates, and procedures.
- Demonstrate instrument knowledge, aircraft control, procedural accuracy, sound judgment, and risk management to the applicable standard.
- Participate in the critique and establish a continuing instrument-proficiency plan.
Completion Standards
- The pilot demonstrates the operation and tasks required by §61.57(d) to the standards prescribed by current FAA guidance and the applicable Instrument Rating ACS.
- All identified deficiencies affecting safe IFR operation are corrected before the IPC endorsement is issued.
- The pilot demonstrates sound risk management, workload management, and automation management throughout the check.
Conclusion
Re-Motivation:
- A successful IPC restores legal currency while establishing the judgment and proficiency needed for safe operations in the instrument system.
Closure:
- Review the pilot's continuing instrument practice plan, personal minimums, and recommended follow-on training.