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4.3.5.4 Regardless of the pilot’s experience, the flight instructor should review at least those maneuvers considered critical to safe flight, such as:
• Takeoffs;
• Stabilized approaches to landings;
• Slow flight;
• Stall recognition, stalls, and stall recovery;
• Spin recognition and avoidance;
• Recovery from unusual attitudes; and
• Operating the aircraft by sole reference to instruments under actual or simulated conditions.
4.3.5.5 Based on the flight instructor’s in-flight assessment of the pilot’s skills, the flight instructor may wish to add other maneuvers from the PTS/ACS appropriate to the pilot’s grade of certificate. Appendix D includes a recommended job aid (flight review checklist), including a list of suggested maneuvers. The FAA does not intend this list to be all-inclusive, nor does it limit a flight instructor’s discretion in selecting other appropriate maneuvers and procedures. To the greatest possible extent, the flight instructor should organize and sequence the selected maneuvers in a realistic scenario appropriate to the kind of flying normally done by the pilot.
4.3.5.6 T he role of the flight instructor during the review is to provide an evaluation.
However, the instructor is not limited to this role and may provide specific instruction to an airman on any areas the instructor notes as being weak. This additional instruction does not preclude the pilot’s successful completion of the review as long as the deficiencies are corrected. If the additional instruction does not correct the deficiencies, and/or it becomes apparent to the instructor that additional flights will be necessary, the flight instructor should discuss the situation with the pilot and proceed accordingly.
4.4 Post-Review Considerations. Upon completion of the review, the flight instructor should complete the summary and evaluation portion of the flight review checklist (if used) and debrief the pilot. Whether or not the review was satisfactory, the flight instructor should provide the pilot with a comprehensive analysis of their performance, including suggestions for improving any weak areas. FAA-H-8083-9, Aviation Instructor’s Handbook, Chapter 5, The Teaching Process, provides specific suggestions for conducting the postflight evaluation discussion as a “collaborative critique.”
4.4.1 Unsatisfactory Completion of the Review. T he FAA does not intend for the flight review to be a practical test. If the review is not satisfactory, the flight instructor should log the flight as “dual instruction given” and not as a “failure.” If the pilot does not perform well enough for the flight instructor to endorse the pilot for satisfactory completion of the flight review, the instructor should use the applicable ACS or PTS as the objective
4-8 standard to discuss areas needing improvement, as well as areas where the pilot performed well. In this case, the flight instructor should offer a practical course of action—ground training, flight training, or both—to help the pilot under review to return to proficiency standards. The flight instructor should then recommend additional training in the areas of the review that were unsatisfactory. A pilot who does not receive an endorsement for a satisfactory flight review may continue to exercise the privileges of their certificate, provided that a period of 24 calendar months has not elapsed since the pilot completed at least one of the requirements that satisfies the flight review event as specified in § 61.56. However, a pilot may not act as PIC of an aircraft if that pilot’s flight review has elapsed.
4.4.2 Satisfactory Completion of the Review. When the applicant has successfully completed the review, the flight instructor should endorse the pilot’s logbook to certify that the pilot has satisfactorily accomplished the flight review. The flight instructor should make the endorsement for a satisfactory review in accordance with AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors. The flight and ground time must also be logged in the pilot’s logbook in accordance with § 61.51(a)(1).
5-1 CHAPTER 5. INSTRUMENT PROFICIENCY CHECK
5.1 Structuring an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC). Title 14 CFR part 61, § 61.57(d) outlines the requirements for an IPC. This chapter provides guidance on the conduct of the IPC. Appendix I provides an optional IPC checklist as an instructor job aid resource for conducting an IPC. FAA Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards (PTS) and Instrument Rating – Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS) (FAA-S-ACS-8), as applicable, outline the required areas of operations and associated tasks conducted in an IPC (see paragraph 5.3).
Note: Instructors should always check the FAA Airman Testing web page to ensure use of the most current versions of the ACS/PTS at https://www.faa.gov/tr aining_testing/testing.
5.1.1 Instructor Requirements to Conduct an IPC. The flight instructor must hold an instrument rating on their pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate that is appropriate to the category and class of aircraft used for the IPC. For example, an IPC conducted in a multiengine airplane requires a flight instructor who holds both multiengine and instrument ratings on their pilot and flight instructor certificate. The basis for flight instructor privileges and limitations is found in §§ 61.193 and 61.195. The flight instructor should also meet currency requirements for their pilot and flight instructor certificate.
Note: In addition to having the appropriate instructor ratings, the flight instructor shoul d consider other factors relating to their ability to conduct an IPC. These include the factors discussed for the flight review, as well as the instructor’s own instrument currency.
5.1.2 Conducting an IPC. A flight instructor may conduct all or part (as specified in FAA-S-ACS-8 (airplanes only) or in the instrument ACS or PTS appropriate to the category of aircraft used) of the IPC in an FAA-approved full flight simulator (FFS), flight training device (FTD), or Aviation Training Device (ATD), as appropriate. If the IPC is accomplished in an FFS or FTD qualified under 14 CFR part 60, that IPC checking program must receive approval by the FAA Administrator (§ 61.4). Guidance on what IPC instrument tasks can be accomplished in an FFS, FTD, or ATD is located in the current instrument PTS or ACS, as appropriate.
Note: Advanced aviation training devices (AATD) and basic aviation training dev ices (BATD) collectively make up the two categories of FAA-approved ATDs. Only AATDs may be used for the IPC. The flight instructor should review the ATD Letter of Authorization (LOA) for the specific credit allowances provided for that training device model.
5.1.3 Precheck Considerations. The flight instructor should structure an IPC in a manner similar to that of the flight review, tailoring the check to the needs of the pilot.
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5.1.3.1 The flight instructor and pilot should discuss the operating conditions under which the flight instructor will conduct the check. If the flight instructor conducts the check in an aircraft, the check may be under visual flight rules (VFR) or instrument flight rules (IFR) in simulated instrument conditions, or it may be under IFR in actual instrument conditions. If the flight instructor conducts the check under IFR, or while under VFR conditions simulating instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with a view-limiting device, it is the flight instructor’s responsibility to constantly remain vigilant to see other aircraft throughout all phases of the flight.
5.1.3.2 The Pilot’s Instrument Experience Summary in Appendix G is available to help the flight instructor structure an appropriate ground review for the IPC.
A table in the instrument ACS or PTS appropriate to the category of aircraft used lists the areas of operation and associated tasks required for successful completion of the IPC.
5.1.3.3 As with the flight review, the flight instructor should develop a plan of action that uses realistic scenarios to organize and sequence the required tasks and maneuvers. Appendix H contains a sample plan of action for conducting the IPC. The flight instructor should also discuss crewmember roles and responsibilities with the pilot.
5.1.4 A greement on the Conduct of the IPC . After completing the above analysis, the flight instructor should review these considerations with the pilot and reach an understanding regarding how the flight instructor will conduct the IPC. The flight instructor should also review the criteria for satisfactory completion with the pilot under review. The flight instructor may wish to provide the pilot with reading materials or recommend publications for study before conducting the IPC. For example, the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) provides many free online “Wings Courses for Pilots,” which includes a free online IPC preparation course ALC-38, Instrument Proficiency Check Review Guide. You can find this course at https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_catalog.
aspx.
5.2 IPC Knowledge Portion.
5.2.1 Determining the Pilot’s IFR Knowledge. The flight instructor determines whether the pilot has adequate knowledge and understanding of 14 CFR part 91, especially Subpart B, Flight Rules; Subpart C, Equipment, Instrument, and Certificate Requirements; and Subpart E, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations.
Additionally, the flight instructor determines that the pilot has adequate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:
1. Instrument en route and approach chart interpretation, including Standard Instrument Departures (SID), Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODP), Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STAR), instrument approach procedures (IAP) and Area Navigation (RNAV)/Global Positioning System (GPS)/Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) procedures.
5-3
2. Obtaining and analyzing weather information, including knowledge of hazardous weather phenomena, such as icing and convective activity.
3. Preflight planning, including aircraft performance, Notices to Air Missions (NOTAM) information (including temporary flight restrictions (TFR)), fuel requirements, alternate requirements, and use of appropriate FAA publications such as the Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD).
4. Aircraft systems related to IFR operations, including appropriate operating methods, limitations, and emergency procedures due to equipment failure.
5. Aircraft flight instruments and navigation equipment, including characteristics, limitations, operating techniques, and emergency procedures due to malfunction or failure, such as lost communications and automation failure procedures.
6. Determining the airworthiness of the aircraft for instrument flight, including required inspections and documents.
7. Air traffic control (ATC) procedures pertinent to flight under IFR, with emphasis on elements of ATC clearances and pilot/controller responsibilities.
8. A general working knowledge of aerodynamic principles relating to angle of attack (AOA) and the purpose, operation, and limitations of AOA indicators (if installed).
5.2.2 Evaluation of the Pilot’s Instrument Flight Proficiency. Following the discussion of the above subjects, the flight instructor should ask the pilot to prepare for the skill portion of the IPC by completing the necessary flight planning, obtaining current weather data, filing a flight plan, and conducting the preflight inspection. In order to fully evaluate the pilot’s skills under normal operating conditions, the flight instructor may wish to have the pilot conduct a short IFR cross-country flight with at least part of the flight conducted “in the system” under IFR.
5.3 IPC Skill Portion. The maneuvers and procedures selected for the IPC must include those listed in the Rating Task Table in the Instrument Rating ACS for airplanes (FAA-S-ACS-8), helicopters (FAA-S-ACS-14), or powered-lift (FAA-S-ACS-3), as applicable. The flight instructor conducting the IPC has the discretion to require any other maneuver(s) necessary to determine that the pilot can safely operate under IFR in a broad range of conditions appropriate to the aircraft flown and the ATC environment selected.
The flight instructor should emphasize proper adherence to ATC clearances. Regardless of the maneuvers and procedures selected, the flight instructor should ensure that the pilot demonstrates satisfactory basic attitude instrument flying skills. For checks conducted in an aircraft but not under actual instrument weather conditions, the flight instructor should employ an appropriate view-limiting device to simulate instrument conditions. As an aid to the flight instructor, Appendix I contains a sample flight instructor IPC checklist for conducting the IPC.
5.4 Post-IPC Considerations and Recordkeeping. Upon completion of the proficiency check, the flight instructor may wish to complete the summary and evaluation portion of the checklist and debrief the pilot on the results of the check. Regardless of the determination, the flight instructor should provide the pilot with a comprehensive
5-4 analysis of their performance, including suggestions for improving any weak areas.
FAA-H-8083-9, Aviation Instructor’s Handbook, Chapter 5, The Teaching Process, provides specific suggestions for conducting the postflight evaluation discussion as a “collaborative critique.”
5.4.1 Unsatisfactory Performance. A s with the flight review, the flight instructor should not endorse the pilot’s logbook to reflect an unsatisfactory IPC. Rather, the flight instructor should log the session as “dual instruction given.”
5.4.2 Satisfactory Performance. The endorsement for a satisfactory proficiency check should be in accordance with AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors.
You can find a suggested IPC plan of action format in Appendix I. Although not required by § 61.189, the flight instructor may wish to retain this plan of action (job aid) for an appropriate period as a record of the scope and content of the IPC. Additionally, the flight instructor may wish to submit an FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, to the Airmen Certification Branch. When submitted, the Airmen Certification Branch will add the application to the pilot’s record (see paragraph 1.10.2).
Appendix A A-1 APPENDIX A. RESOURCES A.1 FAA Documents (current editions).
1. Advisory Circulars (AC) (https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars):
• AC 60-28, FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107.
• AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors.
• AC 61-91, WINGS— Pilot Proficiency Program.
• AC 61-136, FAA Approval of Aviation Training Devices and Their Use for Training and Experience.
• AC 90-109, Transition to Unfamiliar Aircraft (provides additional information and guidance pertaining to transition to experimental or unfamiliar aircraft).
• AC 91-73, Parts 91 and 135 Single Pilot, Flight School Procedures During Taxi Operations.
2. A eronautical Information Manual (AIM):
https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html.
3. Airman Certification Standards (ACS):
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs.
4. Airman Testing: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing.
5. Back to Basics, FAA Safety Briefing, January/February 2018:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-01/JanFeb2018.pdf.
6. Best Practices for Mentoring in Flight Instruction: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/f iles/pilots/mentoring_best_practices.pdf.
7. FAA/Industry Training Standards Personal and Weather Risk Assessment Guide:
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/fits/guidance.
8. FAA Safety Briefing Archive: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/safetybriefing/archived-faa-safety-briefing-magazine-issues.
9. General Aviation (GA) Safety Enhancement (SE) Topic Fact Sheets:
https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/safety-briefing/faa-safety-briefing-fact-sheets.
10. Good N.I.G.H.T, FAA Safety Briefing, November/December 2015:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-01/NovDec2015.pdf.
11. Handbooks and Manuals (FAA):
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals:
• FAA-H-8083-2, Risk Management Handbook.
• FAA-H-8083-9, Aviation Instructor’s Handbook.
Appendix A A-2
• Handbook(s) appropriate for the category of aircraft being operated
(e.g., FAA-H-8083-3, Airplane Flying Handbook).
12. Information for Operators (InFO) (FAA): https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_in dustry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info/all_infos:
• InFO 14010, Installation, Training, and Use of Non-required/Supplemental Angle-of-Attack (AOA) Based Systems for General Aviation (GA) Airplanes, dated July 25, 2014.
• InFO 15012, Logging Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP), dated September 8, 2015.
13. New Technologies for Pilots, Planes, and ’Ports, FAA Safety Briefing, May/June 2016: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-01/MayJun2016.pdf.
14. New Technology in Aviation, FAA Safety Briefing, January/February 2014:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-01/JanFeb2014.pdf.
15. Online resources for flight instructors, FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam):
https://www.faasafety.gov.
16. PAVEing the Way to Safety, FAA Safety Briefing, January/February 2017:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-01/JanFeb2017.pdf.
17. Personal Minimums Worksheet, FAA Safety Briefing, March/April 2015:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-01/MarApr2015.pdf.
18. Practical Test Standards (PTS):
https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards.
19. Teaching Technology: Instilling the Right Aptitudes and Attitudes for Safety, FAA Safety Briefing, September/October 2017:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-01/SepOct2017.pdf.
20. Tips for Teaching Practical Risk Management: https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files /regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/pilot_risk/1.0-Practical-Risk- Management.pdf.
21. Weather Forces, Sources, and Resources, FAA Safety Briefing, March/April 2015:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2022-01/MarApr2015.pdf.
A.2 Industry and Professional Associations.
1. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): https://www.aopa.org.
• AOPA Tools for Certificated Flight Instructors: https://www.aopa.org/trainingand-safety/cfis.
2. Aviation Weather Center (AWC): https://aviationweather.gov.
3. Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): https://www.eaa.org.
4. FlightService: https://www.1800wxbrief.com.
Appendix A A-3
5. General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA): https://www.gama.aero.
6. National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI): https://www.nafinet.org.
7. Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE): https://www.safepilots.org.
Appendix B B-1 APPENDIX B. SAMPLE AIRPLANE PILOT’S PROFICIENCY PRACTICE PLAN Pilot’s Name: Date:
Flight Rules (Visual Flight Rules (VFR)) Flight Profile – Every 4–6 Weeks:
☐ Preflight (Include the 3-P Risk Management Process (RMP: Perceive hazards, Process risk level, and Perform risk management.) (Refer to the 3-P Risk Management Process at https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/courses/content/28/200/3P%20Risk%20Manageme nt%20Process.pdf.)
☐ Normal taxi.
☐ Takeoff.
☐ Departure to practice area.
☐ CHAPS (before each maneuver):
☐ Clear the area.
☐ Heading established and noted.
☐ Altitude established (at least 3,000 feet above ground level (AGL)).
☐ Position near a suitable emergency landing area.
☐ Set power and aircraft configuration.
☐ Steep turns (both directions), altitude within 100 feet and airspeed within 10 knots.
☐ Power-off stalls (approach to landing) and recovery.
☐ Power-on stalls (takeoff/departure) and recovery.
☐ Ground reference maneuvers (600 feet to 1,000 feet AGL).
☐ Pattern practice:
☐ Normal landing (full flaps).
☐ Short-field takeoff and landing over a 50-foot obstacle.
☐ Soft-field takeoff and landing.
☐ Slow flight.
☐ Discretional maneuver.
☐ Discretional maneuver.
☐ Secure the aircraft.
☐ Review your performance.
☐ Schedule next proficiency flight.
Appendix C C-1 APPENDIX C. SAMPLE PILOT’S PERSONAL AERONAUTICAL GOALS Pilot’s Name: Date:
Training Goals Certificate Level (Private, Commercial, Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)) Ratings (Instrument, Multiengine Land (MEL), Airplane Single-Engine Sea (ASES), Airplane Multiengine Sea (AMES), Rotorcraft, Glider, etc.)
Endorsements (high performance, complex, tailwheel, high altitude, etc.) Phase in Pilot Proficiency Program (WINGS) Instructor Qualifications (flight instructor, instrument flight instructor, multiengine flight instructor, advanced ground instructor (AGI), basic ground instructor (BGI), instrument ground instructor (IGI)) Other:
Proficiency Goals Lower personal minimums to:
Ceiling Visibility Winds Precision approach minimums Non-precision approach minimums Fly at least:
Times per month Hours per month Hours per year Cross-country flights per year Night hours per month Make a cross-country trip to:
Other:
Aeronautical Training Plan of Action
Appendix D D-1 APPENDIX D. SAMPLE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR’S FLIGHT REVIEW CHECKLIST Step 1: Preflight Review Actions Ratings (not necessarily inclusive):
☐ Scheduling ☐ Set expectations of pilot under review ☐ Pilot’s aeronautical history ☐ Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 review assignment ☐ Cross-country flight plan assignment Step 2: Ground Discussion ☐ FAA Aviation English Language Standard (AELS) requirement ☐ Regulatory review ☐ Cross-country flight plan review ☐ Risk management (RM) and personal minimums Step 3: Conducting the Flight ☐ Physical aircraft (basic skills) ☐ Takeoffs and stabilized approaches to landings ☐ Slow flight ☐ Stalls and recovery/spin recognition and avoidance ☐ Recovery from unusual attitudes ☐ Simulated loss of power/engine ☐ Operating the aircraft by sole reference to instruments under actual or simulated conditions ☐ Aeronautical decision-making (ADM) ☐ Automation system failures Step 4: Postflight Discussion ☐ Replay, reflect, reconstruct, redirect ☐ Questions Step 5: Aeronautical Health Maintenance and Improvement Plan ☐ Personal minimums worksheet ☐ Personal proficiency practice plan ☐ Training plan (if desired) ☐ Resources list Sample Pilot’s Aeronautical History for Flight Review Pilot:
Flight Instructor:
Address:
Phone(s):
Email:
Pilot Certificate(s):
P rivate Commercial Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) Mult iengine Land (MEL) Lighter than Air (LTA) Rotorcraft (Other) Experience (pilot):
T otal time Last 6 months Average hours/month Time since last flight review Since last instrument proficiency check (IPC) Experience (aircraft):
Aircraft type(s) you fly Aircraft used most often Total time Last 6 months Average hours/month Experience (flight environment):
Since your last flight review, approximately how many hours have you logged in:
D ay visual flight rules (VFR) Day instrument flight rules (IFR) Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) Ni ght VFR Night IFR Mountainous/Overwater Towered Nontowered Type of Flying (external factors):
What percentage of your flying is for:
P leasure Business Local Cross-country Personal Skills Assessment:
Strengths as a pilot?
Areas for improvement?
Aviation goals?