Currency & Proficiency

FAR 61.57 – Recent flight experience: Pilot in command

Day Currency     61.57(a)

• To act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers or of an aircraft certificated for more than one pilot flight crewmember a pilot must make at least three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days in an aircraft of the same category, class, and type

Night Currency     61.57(b)

• To act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise, a pilot must make at least three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise within the preceding 90 days

FAR 61.56 – Flight Review

Completed with an authorized instructor once every 24 calendar months to act as PIC, unless –

• Logbook endorsement certifying a valid completed Flight Review
• Passed a pilot proficiency check or practical test conducted by an approved pilot examiner, for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege
• Completion of WINGS FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency award program

Minimum of 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training including –

• General operating and flight rules of Part 91
• Maneuvers and procedures necessary for the pilot to demonstrate the safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate
• Logbook endorsement

FAR 61.57(c) – Instrument Experience

• Within the 6 calendar months preceding the month of the flight, that person performed and logged 6 approaches, holding, intercepting and tracking in an airplane, powered-lift, helicopter, or airship, as appropriate, for the instrument rating privileges to be maintained in actual weather conditions, or under simulated conditions using a view-limiting device
• The above can be completed in a FFS, ATD, or FTD provided the device represents the category of aircraft for the instrument rating privileges to be maintained and the pilot performs the tasks and iterations in simulated instrument conditions, a flight instructor is not needed
• A pilot has an additional 6 calendar month grace period to regain currency by performing 66HIT with a safety pilot

66HIT

6 approaches
Within 6 months
Holding
Intercepting
Tracking

FAR 61.57(d) – Instrument Proficiency Check

• A pilot who has failed to meet the instrument experience requirements of 61.57(c) for more than 6 calendar months may reestablish instrument currency only by completing an IPC
• The instrument proficiency check must be given by an examiner, a company check pilot, an authorized instructor or a person approved by the administrator to conduct practical tests
• Proficiency check must be completed in an aircraft that is appropriate to the aircraft category

Consists of…

• Air traffic control clearances and procedures
• Flight by reference to instruments
• Navigation systems
• Instrument approach procedures
• Emergency operations
• Postflight procedures