61.57 E. IPC the only way to regain IFR currency

will_fly_for_bandwith

will_fly_for_bandwith

Well-Known Member
61.57 (e) has been modified.
New:
(d) Instrument proficiency check. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, a person who has failed to meet the instrument experience requirements of paragraph (c) for more than six calendar months may reestablish instrument currency only by completing an instrument proficiency check. The instrument proficiency check must consist of the areas of operation and instrument tasks required in the instrument rating practical test standards.
Old:
(d) Instrument proficiency check. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, a person who dose not meet the instrument experence requirements of paragraph (c) of this section within the 12 calendar months.....

So I read this as no more 6 moths grace period. If you are not current then IPC Is the only way to become legal.
The FAASafety team "clarified" this via an email today that confused me further....
Do you guys agree, no more IFR grace period (via safety pilot) past 6 months.
 
Looks like you're right. I'm actually out of currency right now(not in a huge rush to get it back either. I'm pretty busy teaching primary students right now), so thanks for posting this.
 
I disagree... it looks like I have to fail to meet the requirements for a full six calender months after losing currency. So if I have failed for only five months, I can still get the hood and a safety pilot to get my currency back. Mind posting the email response?
 
They just changed it from 12 calendar months wherein you must meet the requirements during that period to no more than 6 months calendar months... So from your last day of being current, you have no more than 6 calendar months to become current otherwise you'll need an IPC.
 
FAAST sent out a clarification email on this today.

Clarification: IFR Currency Requirements
Notice Number: NOTC3489

Technical Amendment to IFR Currency Requirements
14 CFR 61.57 (d) describes the requirements for an instrument proficiency check (IPC), and includes a description of when an IPC is necessary. While certain exceptions apply, a pilot may reestablish instrument currency that has been lapsed for more than 6 months only through obtaining an IPC. On December 16, 2011, the FAA issued a technical correction to section 61.57 (d) in order to clarify the meaning of the regulation. This clarification was simply just that, a clarification, and no change to the application of the rule was intended. As the FAA explained in that technical correction (emphasis added):
The revised language makes it clear that a pilot who has failed to maintain instrument currency for more than six calendar months may not serve as pilot in command under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR until completing an instrument proficiency check. A pilot whose instrument currency has been lapsed for less than six months may continue to reestablish instrument currency by performing the tasks and maneuvers required in paragraph (c).​
Notwithstanding the exceptions on 61.57 (e), the following timeline illustrates the correct application of 61.57 (d):

January 31, 2012: A pilot is no longer instrument current because they no longer meet the recent experience requirements found in 61.57 (c). This pilot may no longer act as pilot-in-command (PIC) of an aircraft operating under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR.

February 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012: The pilot has between these dates in order to obtain the recent experience requirements found in 61.57 (c). This experience may be obtained through instruction, the use of a safety pilot, or through a simulator / training device.

August 1, 2012: If by this date the pilot had not regained instrument currency, the only method by which a pilot may become instrument current again is by obtaining an IPC.

The FAA has become aware of some recent blogs, emails, and website comments that contain confusion about the technical correction and the current meaning of the rule. This FAAST Blast will hopefully alleviate that confusion. For additional information, please review the latest technical correction to 61.57 at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-16/pdf/2011-32333.pdf.
 
Unfortunately, the email they sent out "clarifying" this was not really all that clear. As they point out, though, there is NO change to the rule. On the day you lose instrument currency because you haven't met the requirements of 61.57(c), you may no longer act as PIC on an instrument flight or in less the VFR conditions. You may, however, regain currency with an instructor, safety pilot, sim, etc - no IPC required. At the 12 calendar month point (6 months after you lost currency,) if you did not regain currency, the only way to regain it is through an IPC.
 
I didn't know there was any wide spread confusion about the requirements in the first place. They're pretty simple & straightforward.
 
Mike, did you read the 2011 regulatory amendment? It's what caused the problem. In an effort to clarify the rule regarding the second 6 months they completely confused it.

There's another one they unintentionally introduced in 2009.
 
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