Instrument currency

[pwa]

Question....I need to shoot my 6 approaches and do a hold. My last IPC was in July 2009. Now to keep myself current, can I log the approaches in a approved FAA sim without a safty pilot or instructor? I was also told I can still shoot the approaches in a plane in VFR conditions without a safety pilot, is that true?

Thanks

 

[Douglas]

Question....I need to shoot my 6 approaches and do a hold. My last IPC was in July 2009. Now to keep myself current, can I log the approaches in a approved FAA sim without a safty pilot or instructor? I was also told I can still shoot the approaches in a plane in VFR conditions without a safety pilot, is that true?

Thanks

Untrue on all accounts, if I am reading that right.

-You need an instructor
-You can't put a hood on and go solo.

 

[CFIT99]

Question....I need to shoot my 6 approaches and do a hold. My last IPC was in July 2009. Now to keep myself current, can I log the approaches in a approved FAA sim without a safty pilot or instructor? I was also told I can still shoot the approaches in a plane in VFR conditions without a safety pilot, is that true?

Thanks

Douglas hit it on the head.

Actually they LITERALLY just changed that FAR on the last Docket...saying that you need an instructor there present while in an approved sim....apparently a bunch of people were doing it without one and counting it

Here's some of those questions answered with the FAR:

61.57(c)(1)
- Does not change the current Instrument currency/experience requirements when suing airplanes, except that a view limiting device must be used in simulated conditions (when with an instructor or safety pilot)

61.57(c)(2-5)
- Did change the requirements for using simulators, flight training devices and aviation training devices, independently or in combination with airplanes. Clarified that an instructor need not be present when a pilot is using a flight simulations device to acquire his IFR currency. An instructor is only required if you us a flight simulation device in conducting an Instrument Proficiency Check.

61.57(d)
- Clarifies that language as to maintaining instrument recent experience. You must look back 6 months from the month of the flight to determine of the instrument currency requirements are met.
- Clarifies language on when a Instrument Proficiency Check is required. Does not meet the instrument experience requirements within the 12 calender months preceding the month of flight..

those were the changes from last year...who knows what will happen for next.

 

[MidlifeFlyer]

Um...

How do you get to

Douglas hit it on the head.

from

61.57(c)(2-5)
- Did change the requirements for using simulators, flight training devices and aviation training devices, independently or in combination with airplanes. Clarified that an instructor need not be present when a pilot is using a flight simulations device to acquire his IFR currency. An instructor is only required if you us a flight simulation device in conducting an Instrument Proficiency Check.

This is one of those weird times that the explanatory material in the Final Rule (saying that you do not need an instructor to maintain currency in a sim) contradicts the wording of the regulation (which says you do).

Flight Standards is aware of the discrepancy. The rule was supposed to have been changed to allow an instrument-rated pilot to log approaches, holds, etc to maintain currency in a sim without a CFII present but blew it in the wording of the reg. There's supposed to be a clarification amendment coming (to cover other errors also). But even though I have the email from Flight Standards saying what the rule is supposed to be, I wouldn't be comfortable until the reg itself says so.

I was also told I can still shoot the approaches in a plane in VFR conditions without a safety pilot, is that true?

What do the regs say are the requirements for logging approaches for currency?