Instrument Proficiency Check

[TheRedOne]

Hi all,

I'm wondering if someone here can help me with the following question:

Could a fixed-wing CFII conduct an IPC to a rotor-wing pilot in a heli-sim?

I already checked the regs and couldn't find a clear answer, the regs basically say that the IPC must be conducted in the appropriate category of aircraft, so in this case in a helicopter or heli-sim and that it must be given by an examiner or authorized instructor.

PART 61.57
(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.

(1) The instrument proficiency check must be—

(i) In an aircraft that is appropriate to the aircraft category;

(ii) For other than a glider, in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of the aircraft category; or

(iii) For a glider, in a single-engine airplane or a glider.

(2) The instrument proficiency check must be given by—

(i) An examiner;

(ii) A person authorized by the U.S. Armed Forces to conduct instrument flight tests, provided the person being tested is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces;

(iii) A company check pilot who is authorized to conduct instrument flight tests under part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter or subpart K of part 91 of this chapter, and provided that both the check pilot and the pilot being tested are employees of that operator or fractional ownership program manager, as applicable;

(iv) An authorized instructor; or

(v) A person approved by the Administrator to conduct instrument practical tests.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[hammerhat]

61.1 defines authorized instructor. In the above case the fixed wing CFII is not an authorized instructor unless he has "Instrument Helicopter" rating on his FI certificate.

 

[xdashdriver]

§61.195 Flight instructor limitations and qualifications.
(a) Hours of training. In any 24-consecutive-hour period, a flight instructor may not conduct more than 8 hours of flight training.

(b) Aircraft Ratings. A flight instructor may not conduct flight training in any aircraft for which the flight instructor does not hold:

(1) A pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate with the applicable category and class rating; and

(2) If appropriate, a type rating.

(c) Instrument Rating. A flight instructor who provides instrument training for the issuance of an instrument rating, a type rating not limited to VFR, or the instrument training required for commercial pilot and airline transport pilot certificates must hold an instrument rating on his or her pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate that is appropriate to the category and class of aircraft used for the training provided.

 

[hammerhat]

I don't think 61.195(b) applies to a heli-sim because it is not an aircraft per 14 CFR 1.1. Also 61.195(c) does not apply because IPC is not a rating.

 

[xdashdriver]

Well, considering the fact that 61.195 shows that the FAA really really wants the instructor to be qualified in category and class before teaching, I wouldn't push the envelope in the sim with some apparent loophole they didn't think to cover.

 

[TheRedOne]

Thanks for your opinion everybody!

As I mentioned before, the regs do not give a clear answer to this particular case (fixed wing CFII giving IPC to rotor wing pilot in heli-sim).

I do agree with "hammerhat's" second post, though.

I don't think 61.195(b) applies to a heli-sim because it is not an aircraft per 14 CFR 1.1. Also 61.195(c) does not apply because IPC is not a rating.

 

[nosehair]

(1) The instrument proficiency check must be—

(i) In an aircraft that is appropriate to the aircraft category;

(ii) For other than a glider, in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of the aircraft category; or

(iii) For a glider, in a single-engine airplane or a glider.

(2) The instrument proficiency check must be given by—

(i) An examiner;

(ii) A person authorized by the U.S. Armed Forces to conduct instrument flight tests, provided the person being tested is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces;

(iii) A company check pilot who is authorized to conduct instrument flight tests under part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter or subpart K of part 91 of this chapter, and provided that both the check pilot and the pilot being tested are employees of that operator or fractional ownership program manager, as applicable;

(iv) An authorized instructor;

Reads to me like you need a heli-cfii whether it's a sim or not.

 

[MidlifeFlyer]

(1) The instrument proficiency check must be—

(i) In an aircraft that is appropriate to the aircraft category;

(ii) For other than a glider, in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of the aircraft category; or

(iii) For a glider, in a single-engine airplane or a glider.

(2) The instrument proficiency check must be given by—

(i) An examiner;

(ii) A person authorized by the U.S. Armed Forces to conduct instrument flight tests, provided the person being tested is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces;

(iii) A company check pilot who is authorized to conduct instrument flight tests under part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter or subpart K of part 91 of this chapter, and provided that both the check pilot and the pilot being tested are employees of that operator or fractional ownership program manager, as applicable;

(iv) An authorized instructor;

Reads to me like you need a heli-cfii whether it's a sim or not.

I agree. Besides, can you even give a full IPC in this sim? Is "circle to land" a required task for a helicopter IPC and is it within the authorization for the sim in question?