Instrument Proficiency Check

12 · IPC · 61.57(d)

The 14 CFR 61.57(d) instrument proficiency check. Lost IFR currency? Sit with a Gold Seal CFII, fly the tasks on the IPC standards, get the endorsement, and put yourself back in the system.

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6/6/HIT61.57(c) currency
2–3 hrTypical session
IFRCurrency restored
0New ratings added
12What it is

Backinthesystem.

When you lose instrument currency under 14 CFR 61.57(c) and the grace period runs out, you can't legally fly IFR until you complete an IPC. It's a structured ride against the FAA's IPC tasks with a CFII — approaches, holds, partial panel, and IFR decision-making.

PrivilegesWhat you can do

  • Reviews instrument approach procedures, holding entries, and partial panel
  • Restores satisfaction of 14 CFR 61.57(d) — legal to act as PIC under IFR
  • Conducted by Gold Seal CFIIs against the FAA Instrument ACS IPC tasks
  • Re-grounds emergency procedures under IFR and IMC risk management
  • Refreshes GPS and VOR navigation and IFR decision-making

LimitationsAnd what you can't

  • Not a checkride — no FAA practical test, no DPE, no pass/fail in that sense
  • Currency must still be maintained per 61.57(c) after the IPC is complete
  • Does not satisfy the separate flight review under 14 CFR 61.56
  • Does not add the Instrument Rating — you must already hold it
  • Does not extend medical or BasicMed validity
Prerequisites
  • Hold an Instrument Rating (airplane category, applicable class)
  • Hold a current pilot certificate and FAA medical (or BasicMed where applicable)
  • Logbook available for endorsement
  • Recommended: review the FAA Instrument ACS IPC tasks before the session
Why Desert Wings

The case for training here.

Proven student success

Our students consistently pass their checkrides and achieve their aviation goals with confidence.

Gold Seal instruction

Learn from FAA-certified Gold Seal instructors with proven teaching methods and personalized attention.

Year-round flying

Train in Mesa, Arizona with ideal flying conditions and over 300 days of sunshine per year.

Flexible scheduling

Train at your own pace with scheduling options that fit your lifestyle and learning goals.

FAQ

Questions we hear a lot.

When do I actually need an IPC?

Per 14 CFR 61.57(c), you need to log six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting/tracking courses (the "6/6/HIT") in the preceding six calendar months to act as PIC under IFR. Miss that window and you have six more months to regain currency. After that, an IPC is required.

What tasks does the IPC cover?

The IPC follows the IPC tasks listed in the FAA Instrument ACS — instrument approach procedures (precision and non-precision), holding patterns and entries, partial panel, intercepting and tracking, plus IFR decision-making and emergency operations under instruments.

Can I do my flight review and IPC at the same time?

Yes — many pilots combine them. A satisfactory IPC also satisfies 14 CFR 61.56 if it includes the required ground and flight content. Your CFII will plan the session to cover both endorsements when that fits.

Do I need an IPC if I have the instrument rating but never use it?

If you're not current under 61.57(c) and you want to act as PIC under IFR or in IMC, yes. The rating doesn't expire, but legal IFR privileges require current approaches, holds, and tracking — or a fresh IPC.

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