Instrument Proficieny Check (IPC)

 

An Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) is necessary if the instrument experience requirements in order to serve as pilot in command (PIC) under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribe for VFR are no longer met. These requirements are:

 

Within the preceding 6 calendar months performed and logged under actual or simulated IFR conditions either in flight in the appropriate category of aircraft for the instrument privileges sought or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of the aircraft category for the instrument privileges sought:

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• at least 6 instrument approaches

• holding procedures

• intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigation systems

 

An Instrument Proficiency Check conducted by the US-Flight Training Center consists of two parts:

 

Ground School: Discussion of the regulations and procedures relevant to IFR flying, emergency procedures, weather information, flight planning incl. charts.

 

Practical Training: Flying of the common precision and non-precision approaches incl. missed approach procedures, STARs and SIDs, full / partial panel exercises, recovery from unusual attitude, radial intercepts (VOR) and magnetic bearings (NDB), holdings, simulation of emergencies. Basis and limits are the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for obtaining the Instrument Rating.

 

Validity: 6 calender months until the end of the month. Within the following 6 months the pilot can fly the required approaches, holdings and intercepts with a safety pilot. Should the criteria thereafter still not be met, he has to perform an Instrument Proficiency Check after a total of 12 months.