Instrument Proficiency Check Lesson Plan
Special Cases • 14 CFR 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 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:
- Review 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.
- Review instrument qualifications and currency, weather and alternate decisions, IFR flight planning, aircraft systems and limitations, navigation equipment, clearances, lost communications, emergencies, and risk management.
Instrument Operations:
- Use the current Instrument Rating ACS 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 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.