Instrument Proficiency Checks Under The Revised Instrument Practical Test Standards
Instrument flying is an important aspect of aviation that requires pilots to navigate through the clouds and low visibility conditions by making use of instruments and avionics. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently revised the Instrument Practical Test Standards (PTS) to ensure that instrument-rated pilots maintain their skills, knowledge, and proficiency. This article explores instrument proficiency checks under the revised instrument practical test standards.
What are Instrument Proficiency Checks?
Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPC) are designed to evaluate the proficiency of pilots who hold an instrument rating. The FAA requires pilots to undergo an IPC if they have not maintained instrument currency for more than six months. The IPC is a practical test conducted by a designated pilot examiner (DPE) or flight instructor (CFI) who is authorized to conduct instrument flight training and testing.
The revised PTS now requires the pilot to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
To conduct an IPC, the pilot should possess an instrument rating, and their instrument currency should have lapsed for more than six months. The pilot should carry out their IPC in the same category and class of aircraft, as well as the same type of instrument rating they previously held. However, pilots can request to conduct their IPC in a different type of aircraft rating if they are proficient in that type of aircraft.
During the IPC, the pilot should demonstrate their proficiency in the knowledge and application of the instrument rating by undertaking various tasks, including:
1. Basic instrument flight maneuvers - This involves the use of pitch, power, and bank to maintain and control a straight and level flight, climbing, and descending while solely using instruments.
2. Attitude instrument flying - This involves maintaining precise pitch, bank, power, and heading during different phases of flight, such as turns, climbs, and descents.
3. Navigation systems and procedures - This involves the use of various navigation systems, including GPS, VOR, ADF, and DME, to navigate through changing weather conditions while staying on course.
4. Instrument approach procedures - This involves demonstrating proficiency in various instrument approach procedures, including non-precision approaches, precision approaches, and missed approach procedures.
5. Emergency procedures - This involves demonstrating proficiency in performing different emergency procedures during instrument flight, including engine failure and system malfunction.
IPC Grading Standards
The revised PTS has categorically outlined the grading standards that are used to undertake the IPC. The standard grading is based on the following levels:
1. Satisfactory
2. Unsatisfactory
The PTS outlines the level of performance required for each grading level. For instance, if the pilot achieves a satisfactory level in all the sections, they will pass the IPC. However, if the pilot fails any of the sections, they will have to redo that particular section only.
The flight instructor or examiner conducting the IPC will evaluate the pilot's ability to adhere to the FAA regulations during instrument flight, the pilot's understanding of weather conditions, communication with the ATC, and recognizing and responding to emergency situations.
IPC Validity Period
The IPC is valid for an entire year from the date of the evaluation. This means that if the IPC is conducted on July 1, 2021, it will expire on June 30, 2022. Pilots can renew their instrument currency by conducting an IPC every year or undertake a proficiency check every six months.
Conclusion
Instrument proficiency checks are a crucial aspect of instrument flying and are mandated by the FAA. The revised Instrument Practical Test Standards (PTS) outlines the necessary standards that pilots should meet when undertaking an IPC. The pilots should be proficient in various areas, including basic instrument flight maneuvers, attitude instrument flying, navigation systems, instrument approach procedures, and emergency procedures.
Pilots who hold an instrument rating and whose instrument currency has lapsed for more than six months should go through an IPC with a designated pilot examiner or flight instructor. The grading system used to evaluate the pilot is based on either satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance, and the evaluation is valid for one year. Overall, pilots should focus on maintaining their proficiency and skills through regular training and flight activities to ensure that they maintain their instrument currency and remain safe during instrument flight.