Instrument Proficiency Check
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American Flyers can prepare you to complete your instrument proficiency check or customize a refresher course based on your personal needs, whether it is to remain current or simply to stay confident in your Pilot-In-Command capabilities. Whether you need to work on charts and cockpit weather, more time in the simulator, or one-on-one practice with a flight instructor on instrument landing procedures, American Flyers is here to help. Train in our aircraft or yours!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
An Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) is a training session and evaluation designed for instrument-rated pilots who have exceeded their legal currency requirements (the “6-6-HIT” rule). The check ensures that a pilot maintains the knowledge and physical skills necessary to operate safely and confidently under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Under FAA regulations, if a pilot has not performed the required six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting/tracking courses within the preceding six calendar months, they enter a six-month “grace period.” If they still have not met the requirements by the end of that grace period, an IPC is mandatory to regain IFR legal currency.
The IPC is not just a review; it covers specific tasks outlined in the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS). At American Flyers, this typically includes a review of IFR charts, cockpit weather, emergency procedures, and one-on-one practice of instrument landing procedures. The goal is to ensure the pilot is competent in all phases of IFR flight.
Yes. American Flyers utilizes advanced flight simulators for portions of the IPC. Using a simulator allows pilots to practice complex emergency scenarios and multiple instrument approaches in a controlled environment, which is often more time-efficient and cost-effective than doing the entire check in an aircraft.
Yes. American Flyers offers the flexibility to complete your IPC in either a school-provided aircraft (such as a Cessna 172 or Piper Pilot 100i) or your own personal aircraft. Training in your own plane allows you to focus on the specific avionics and handling characteristics you use most frequently.
Absolutely. Beyond the formal IPC, American Flyers provides customized refresher courses. These are ideal for pilots who are technically “current” but want to boost their confidence, master new cockpit technology, or simply sharpen their skills with a professional instructor before a long IFR trip.