AC 61-98D

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 e IPC. In addition, flight instructors may wish to use the FAA’s optional online guidance document, available at https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/ (“Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) Guidance”), to structure, conduct, and document the IPC. Appendix J provides an optional IPC checklist as an instructor job aid resource for conducting an IPC. FAA Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards (PTS) or Instrument Rating— Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS), as applicable, outline the required maneuvers conducted in an IPC (see paragraph 5.3).

Note: The Instrument Rating Airplane ACS (FAA-S-ACS-8) has replaced Instrument Rating—Airplane, Helicopter, and Powered Lift PTS (FAA-S-8081-4E) for airplane applicants. Helicopter and powered-lift applicants should continue to use FAA-S-8081-4E. Instructors should always check the FAA website’s Airman Testing page to ensure use of the most current versions of the ACS/PTS at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/.

5.1.1 Instructor Requirements to Conduct an IPC. The flight instructor must hold an instrument rating on his or her 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 his or her 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 his or her pilot and flight instructor certificate.

Note: In addition to having the appropriate instructor ratings, the flight instructor should consider other factors relating to his or her 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 FAA-S-8081-4, Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards for Airplane, Helicopter and Powered Lift) 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 devices (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.

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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.

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 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 FAA-S-8081-4 lists the maneuvers 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 proficiency check. The flight instructor should also discuss crewmember roles and responsibilities with the pilot.

5.1.4 Agreement 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 he or she 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 actually undertaking 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), and Area Navigation (RNAV)/Global 5-2

Positioning System (GPS)/wide area augmentation system (WAAS) procedures.

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 Airmen (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 FAA-S-ACS-8 or FAA-S-8081-4, 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 airplane 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 J contains a sample flight instructor IPC checklist for conducting the IPC.

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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 analysis of his or her performance, including suggestions for improving any weak areas.

Chapter 5 of the Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9) provides specific suggestions for conducting the postflight evaluation discussion as a “collaborative critique.”

5.4.1 Unsatisfactory Performance. As 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 J. 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 AFB-720. When submitted, AFB-720 will add the application to the pilot’s record (see paragraph 1.10.2).

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Appendix A APPENDIX A. RESOURCES A.1 FAA Documents (current editions).

1. Advisory Circulars (AC):

http://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 61-89, Pilot Certificates: Aircraft Type Ratings.

• 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. Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM):

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/media/aim_basic_chgs1_2_9-

13-18.pdf.

3. Airman Certification Standards (ACS):

http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/.

4. Airman Testing: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/.

5. Best Practices for Mentoring in Flight Instruction:

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/media/mentoring_best_practices .pdf.

6. Conducting an Effective Flight Review:

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/media/flight_review.pdf.

7. FAA/Industry Training Standards ( FITS) Personal and Weather Risk Assessment Guide: http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/fits/guidance.

8. FAA Safety Briefing, January/February 2018:

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2018/media/JanFeb2018.pdf.

9. FAA Safety Briefing Archive:

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/archive/.

10. General Aviation (GA) Safety Enhancement (SE) Topic Fact Sheets:

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/topic_archive/.

11. Good N.I.G.H.T, FAA Safety Briefing, November/December 2015:

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2015/media/NovDec2015.pdf.

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Appendix A

12. Handbooks and Manuals (FAA):

http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/:

• Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9).

• Handbook(s) appropriate for the category of aircraft being operated (e.g., Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3)).

13. Information for Operators (InFO) (FAA):

http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_saf ety/info/all_infos/:

• InFO 14010, Installation, Training, and Use of Non-required/Supplemental Angle-of-Attack (AOA) Based Systems for General Aviation (GA) Airplanes, July 25, 2014.

• InFO 15012, Logging Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP), September 8, 2015.

14. Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) Guidance:

https://www.faa.gov/pilots/training/media/IPC_Guidance.pdf.

15. New Technologies for Pilots, Planes, and ’Ports, FAA Safety Briefing, May/June 2016:

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2016/media/MayJun2016.pdf.

16. New Technology in Aviation, FAA Safety Briefing, January/February 2014:

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2014/media/JanFeb2014.pdf.

17. Online resources for flight instructors, FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam):

http://www.faasafety.gov.

18. PAVEing the Way to Safety, FAA Safety Briefing, January/February 2017:

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2017/media/JanFeb2017.pdf.

19. Personal Minimums Worksheet, FAA Safety Briefing, March/April 2015:

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2015/media/Personal- Minimums.pdf.

20. Practical Test Standards (PTS):

http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/.

21. Risk Management and System Safety Modules:

http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/training/fits/training/flight_instructor.

22. Teaching Technology: Instilling the Right Aptitudes and Attitudes for Safety, FAA Safety Briefing, September/October 2017:

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2017/media/SepOct2017.pdf.

23. Tips for Teaching Practical Risk Management:

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/

1.0-Practical-Risk-Management.pdf.

24. Weather Forces, Sources, and Resources, FAA Safety Briefing, March/April 2015:

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2015/media/MarApr2015.pdf.

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Appendix A A.2 Industry and Professional Associations.

1. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): http://www.aopa.org.

• AOPA Tools for Certificated Flight Instructors: https://www.aopa.org/training-andsafety/cfis.

2. Aviation Weather Center: https://www.aviationweather.gov/adds/.

3. Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA): http://eaa.org/.

4. FlightService: https://www.1800wxbrief.com/Website/#!/.

5. General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA):

http://www.gama.aero/.

6. National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI): http://www.nafinet.org/.

7. Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE): http://www.safepilots.org.

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Appendix B 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%20Manage ment%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 1000 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.

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Appendix C 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

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Appendix D APPENDIX D. SAMPLE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR’S FLIGHT REVIEW CHECKLIST Step 1: Preflight Review Actions  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):

______ Private ______ Commercial ______ Air Transport Pilot (ATP) ______ Flight instructor Ratings (not necessarily inclusive):

______ Instrument ______ Airplane Single-Engine Pilot (ASEL) ______ Multiengine Land (MEL) ______ Lighter than air (LTA) ______ Rotorcraft ______ (Other) Experience (pilot):

______ Total 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:

______ Day visual flight rules (VFR) ______ Day instrument flight rules (IFR) ______ Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) ______ Night VFR ______ Night IFR ______ Mountainous/Overwater ______ Towered ______ Nontowered Type of Flying (external factors):

What percentage of your flying is for:

______ Pleasure ______ Business ______ Local ______ Cross-country Personal Skills Assessment:

Strengths as a pilot?

Areas for improvement?

Aviation goals?

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Appendix E APPENDIX E. REGULATORY REVIEW GUIDE SIDE 1 PILOT  Experience: Recent Flight Experience (14 CFR part 61, § 61.57).

 Responsibility:

 Authority (14 CFR part 91, § 91.3).

 Flightcrew Members at Station (§ 91.105).

 Preflight Action (§ 91.103).

 Safety Belts (§ 91.107).

 Air Traffic Control (ATC) Instructions (§ 91.123).

 Cautions:

 Careless or Reckless Operation (§ 91.13).

 Dropping Objects (§ 91.15).

 Alcohol or Drugs (§ 91.17).

 Supplemental Oxygen (§ 91.211).

 Fitness for Flight (Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) chapter 8, section 1).

AIRCRAFT  Airworthiness:

 Basic (§ 91.7).

 Flight Manual, Markings, and Placards (§ 91.9).

 Certifications Required (§ 91.203).

 Instrument and Equipment Requirements (§ 91.205):

 Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) (§ 91.207).

 Position Lights (§ 91.209).

 Inoperative Instruments and Equipment (§ 91.213).

 Transponder Requirements (§ 91.215).

 Maintenance:

 Responsibility (§ 91.403).

 Maintenance Required (§ 91.405).

 Operation after Maintenance (§ 91.407).

 Maintenance Records (§ 91.417).

 Inspections:

 Annual, Airworthiness Directives (AD), 100 Hours (§ 91.409).

 Altimeter and Pitot Static System (§ 91.411).

 Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Range (VOR) Check (§ 91.171).

 Transponder (§ 91.413).

 ELT (§ 91.207).

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Appendix E SIDE 2  Airports:

 Markings (AIM chapter 2, section 3).

 Operations (AIM chapter 4, section 3; §§ 91.125 and 91.126).

 Traffic Patterns (§ 91.126).

 Airspace:

 Altimeter Settings (AIM chapter 7, section 2; § 91.121).

 Minimum Safe Altitudes (§§ 91.119 and 91.177).

 Cruising Altitudes (AIM chapter 3, section 1, paragraph 3-1-5; §§ 91.159 and 91.179).

 Speed Limits (§ 91.117).

 Right-of-Way (§ 91.113).

 Formation (§ 91.111).

 Types of Airspace (AIM chapter 3):

 Controlled Airspace (AIM chapter 3, section 2; §§ 91.129, 91.130, 91.131, and 91.135).

 Class G Airspace (AIM chapter 3, section 3).

 Special Use (AIM chapter 3, section 4; §§ 91.133, 91.137, 91.141, 91.143, and 91.145).

 Emergency Air Traffic Rules (AIM chapter 5, section 6; § 91.139).

 Air Traffic Control and Procedures:

 Services (AIM chapter 4, section 1).

 Radio Communications (AIM chapter 4, section 2; Pilot/Controller Glossary).

 Clearances (AIM chapter 4, section 4).

 Procedures (AIM chapter 5).

 Weather:

 Meteorology (AIM chapter 7, section 1).

 Wake Turbulence (AIM chapter 7, section 3).

EXTERNAL PRESSURE  Personal Minimums Worksheet.

 Risk Management (RM) (3-P model).

 Practical Test Standards (PTS)/Airman Certification Standards (ACS), as appropriate.

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