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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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 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.”

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.”

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).