Remaining IFR current

c172captain

Well-Known Member
after the first 6 months from previous flights that made me current, i am allowed to go up with a safety pilot to do my 6 approaches/holds/tracking VORs under the hood but am not allowed to go IMC as PIC correct? but of course once i do those simulated approaches im allowed to go PIC again
 
after the first 6 months from previous flights that made me current, i am allowed to go up with a safety pilot to do my 6 approaches/holds/tracking VORs under the hood but am not allowed to go IMC as PIC correct? but of course once i do those simulated approaches im allowed to go PIC again

You cannot fly IMC, but you also cannot file an IFR flight plan. In order to file IFR, you must be current and qualified. Either that, or your safety pilot must be a current IFR rated pilot (in category), and agree to be the PIC for the flight. Otherwise, just go out VFR to do your approaches, holding & tracking.
 
Be sure to get an Instrument Proficiency Check every so often. Looks better to future employers than just going up with a safety pilot. If that is the route you are looking to go of course.
 
Be sure to get an Instrument Proficiency Check every so often. Looks better to future employers than just going up with a safety pilot. If that is the route you are looking to go of course.
I've never heard of anyone caring about that. In fact I've heard rumors it looks worse if you get an IPC because it means you didn't maintain your currency for quite a while.
 
The second 6th month grace period allows you to fly with a safety pilot or do sim time to get current. You CANNOT file or fly IFR until the 6 approaches are accomplished.

After 12 months, if you still lack currency, an IPC is required.
 
The second 6th month grace period allows you to fly with a safety pilot or do sim time to get current. You CANNOT file or fly IFR until the 6 approaches are accomplished.
...although don't forget that if you go up with another pilot who is current and willing to act as PIC, you CAN fly the airplane on an IFR flight plan and in IMC to regain currency during the first 6 months after currency lapses.
 
...although don't forget that if you go up with another pilot who is current and willing to act as PIC, you CAN fly the airplane on an IFR flight plan and in IMC to regain currency during the first 6 months after currency lapses.

Yes, I meant they cannot fly by themselves......
 
What about logging approaches as a CFII, me and my friend were debating when we can log approaches. Is it anytime you're in actual or do you have to manipulate the controls. The FARs are unclear about this.
 
What about logging approaches as a CFII, me and my friend were debating when we can log approaches. Is it anytime you're in actual or do you have to manipulate the controls. The FARs are unclear about this.
Maybe. People argue this one back and forth since the currency reg talks about "performed" and doesn't use "sole manipulator" language. There is no definite answer from the FAA. The disowned Part 61 FAQ said yes. There is am FAA Legal opinion that says a non-flying SIC (not an instructional situation) can't log the approach for currency that interprets the currency reg to require sole manipulation.

So you're guess is as good as anyone else's.

(I used to have a FAQ on it on my website, but took it down until I have a chance to edit/expand it a bit.)
 
My understanding is that as a CFII, you may only log approaches shot by your student in ACTUAL. Any other time, nope.
 
So, have we come to a conclusion then? I wanna be sure I have a correct understanding. When I would be doing approaches in actual I know my CFII logged them. That is what I am basing my thoughts off of. We also went over it in class and decided that the above is true.
 
A CFII can log the "actual" instrument conditions while acting as an instructor.

The approaches are not loggable, unless you are performing them.
 
The approaches ARE loggable even when your student shoots them when in the Actual Instrument conditions as well as the soup time.
 
I know this may be a bit hard to do money-wise, but do yourself a favor and do more than just remain IFR current. Just doing the minimum to stay current won't help you much if/when you go to sim training. Try and go up as much as you can to stay proficent. There's a big difference between being IFR current and being IFR proficient.
 
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