An instrument rating does not expire, but the privilege to fly in instrument conditions does unless you stay current. The rules are specific, and a lapse can mean you need an instrument proficiency check before you can file IFR again. Here is how instrument currency works and how to get back when it lapses.
Part of our Instrument Rating guide. This page is educational; always confirm currency against 14 CFR 61.57 and fly within your own personal minimums.
Currency vs. the rating
Earning the instrument rating is permanent. Instrument currency is the separate, ongoing requirement that lets you actually exercise IFR privileges as pilot in command in actual or simulated instrument conditions. You can hold the rating for life and still be “not current,” which simply means you may not file and fly IFR until you catch up.
The recent experience rule (the “6 HITS”)
Under 14 CFR 61.57(c), to act as pilot in command under IFR or in weather below VFR minimums, within the preceding 6 calendar months you must have performed and logged:
- Six instrument approaches
- Holding procedures and tasks
- Intercepting and tracking courses using navigation systems
A common memory aid is “6 HITS”: six approaches, plus Holding, Intercepting, and Tracking. These can be flown in actual instrument conditions, under a view-limiting device with a safety pilot, or in an approved flight simulator or training device.
What happens when you lapse
If more than 6 calendar months pass without meeting the recent-experience requirement, you are no longer current, but you are not immediately required to take a check. You have a grace period: the following 6 calendar months. During that window you can regain currency by flying the same approaches, holding, and tracking tasks with a safety pilot or in a suitable simulator.
If a total of more than 12 calendar months passes since you were last current, you may no longer re-establish currency on your own. You must pass an instrument proficiency check.
The instrument proficiency check (IPC)
An IPC, defined in 14 CFR 61.57(d), is an evaluation of your instrument skills given by an authorized instrument flight instructor (CFII), an examiner, or another authorized person. It follows the tasks in the instrument Airman Certification Standards, so it resembles a focused version of the instrument checkride: approaches, holding, course intercepts and tracking, and partial-panel work. Once you pass and it is logged, you are current again.
Staying current the smart way
The easiest way to never face an IPC is to fly approaches regularly. Many instrument pilots schedule a short proficiency flight with a safety pilot or instructor every couple of months, knock out several approaches and a hold, and log them. Currency then takes care of itself, and far more importantly, your skills stay sharp for the day you actually need them in the clouds.
What you'll need
Tools to train and stay sharp on instruments, from PilotMall.com.
Frequently asked questions
How long does instrument currency last?
You must have the required approaches, holding, and course tracking within the preceding 6 calendar months to act as pilot in command under IFR.
What is the 6 HITS rule?
A memory aid for 14 CFR 61.57(c): six instrument approaches, plus holding, intercepting, and tracking, within the previous 6 calendar months.
When do I need an instrument proficiency check?
If more than 12 calendar months have passed since you were last instrument current, you must pass an IPC before flying IFR again.
Can I regain currency with a safety pilot?
Yes, within the 6-month grace period after lapsing, using a view-limiting device with a safety pilot or an approved simulator. Beyond 12 months total, you need an IPC.