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CFI Instrument Practical Test Standards, FAA-S-8081-9B, June 2001

II. Technical Subject Areas

D. Logbook Entries Related to Instrument Instruction

    3. Required endorsement of a pilot logbook for satisfactory completion of an instrument proficiency check (IPC)
      a. Minimum currency requirements to act as PIC under IFR, or in weather conditions less the minimum prescribed for VFR, that must have been logged within the preceding 6 months (14 CFR 61.57(c)(1)):
        1) At least 6 instrument approaches
        2) Holding procedures
        3) Intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigation systems
      b. If the requirements of 61.57(c)(1) are not met within the prescribed 6 months nor within another 6 calendar months, then, in order to act as PIC under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimum prescribed for VFR, the pilot must pass an IPC consisting of a representative number of tasks required by the instrument rating practical test
      c. Structuring an IPC
        1) IPC may be given in a specific category and class of aircraft by a CFII whose instructor certificate displays an instrument rating and the appropriate category and class of aircraft
        2) CFII should consider and update if necessary experience and currency in a given make and model of aircraft before giving an IPC in that aircraft. (Stick to what you know and teach well.)
        3) Precheck considerations
          a) IPC should be structured in a manner similar to that of a flight review
            i) Tailored to needs of specific pilot
            ii) Scope mutually agreed upon
          b) Discuss and decide on operating conditions: SIMC (VFR or IFR) or actual IFR
          c) Ensure that aircraft meets 91.205(d) requirements for IFR operation
          d) If pilot is no longer current under IFR, then CFII will be PIC (and must be current)
          e) Discuss crewmember roles and responsibilities
          f) Discuss successful completion standards using the instrument rating PTS
          g) Prepare IPC plan including anticipated sequence of maneuvers and where they will be performed (see example in AC 61-98A, Appendix 3)
        4) IPC knowledge portion
          a) 14 CFR Part 91, especially
            i) Subpart B, Instrument Flight Rules
            ii) Subpart C, Equipment, Instrument and Certificate Requirements
            iii) Subpart E, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance and Alterations
          b) Determine pilot has adequate knowledge and understanding of
            i) Instrument chart interpretation (en route, approach, DPs and STARs)
            ii) Weather
            iii) Preflight planning
            • Aircraft performance
            • NOTAMs
            • Fuel requirements
            • Alternate requirements
            • FAA publications, including the AFD
            iv) Aircraft systems
            • Operation
            • Emergency procedures in the event of system failure
            v) Flight instrument and navigation equipment
            • Characteristics
            • Limitations
            • Operation
            • Emergency procedures in the event of equipment faillure (e.g., lost communications procedures)
            vi) Airworthiness status of aircraft for IFR
            vii) ATC procedures, especially
            • Elements of ATC clearances
            • Pilot/controller responsibilities
          c) Ask pilot to plan and file a flight plan for a short IFR cross country flight
        5) IPC skill portion
          a) Choose sufficient maneuvers and procedures to determine that pilot can operate safely under a broad range of IFR conditions and properly adhere to ATC clearances
          b) Ensure that pilot demonstrates basic attitude instrument flying skills
          c) Use an appropriate view-limiting device to simulate IMC if necessary
          d) Suggested list from AC 61-98A (not all-inclusive)
            i) Instrument cockpit check
            ii) Intercepting/tracking VOR/NDB
            iii) Steep turns
            iv) Recovery from unusual attitude
            v) Basic attitude instrument flying
            vi) VOR approach
            vii) NDB approach
            viii) ILS approach
            ix) Holding procedures
            x) Missed approach procedure
            xi) Circling approach
        6) Postcheck considerations and recordkeeping
          a) Provide comprehensive performance analysis with suggestions for improving any weak areas
          b) In the even the IPC is unsatisfactory, record/sign the time in the pilot's logbook as instruction given
          c) Endorsement for satisfactory IPC (AC 61-65E):
            "I certify that (First name, MI, Last name), (certificate), (certificate number), has satisfactorily completed the instrument proficiency check of 14 CFR 61.57(d) in a (make and model of aircraft) on (date)."
            Signature/Date/CFI certificate #/Expiration Date
          d) Keeping of record of IPCs given may be helpful, but is not required
    References

Greg Gordon MD, CFII
Updated: