Stay Proficient! Not Just Current
Most pilots don't realize their approaches don't count—breaking out before the FAF? Doesn't count. Flying the same 6 approaches at your home airport in VMC? You're legal, but not proficient. Train with airline pilots who fly IFR daily in our FAA-certified AATD—before you need an IPC.
Stay IFR-Sharp with Airline Pilots
Currency is easy. Proficiency is the real goal.
Airline pilots help you keep your IFR habits clean.
Stable setups. Consistent briefings. Disciplined pacing.
Stay current — and stay confident.
Solo or Dual Session?
Which option best describes you?
The Most Cost-Effective Way to Get IFR Sharp Again
If you're staying current or getting back up to speed, the 6-hour bundle is the smartest buy. You'll lock in the lowest hourly rate and get enough reps to rebuild scan, flows, holds, approaches, and missed procedures—without paying aircraft prices for practice time.
Simplify Staying Instrument Current with Our FAA-Approved Simulator
Meeting instrument currency requirements doesn't need to be complicated. This quick-reference chart shows exactly what the FAA expects—and how our AATD sessions keep you legal under 14 CFR 61.57(c).
✔ Six approaches · Holds · Tracking—complete them here in Lower Manhattan
✔ Use your 6-month grace period to log currency in the sim or an aircraft
✔ Beyond 6 months? Prepare for your IPC in the simulator—then complete it efficiently in your aircraft
Find Your Path to IFR Currency
Answer 2 quick questions to get a personalized recommendation for staying instrument current.
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Split Your IPC Between Simulator and Aircraft—The Smart Way
Our FAA-certified AATD lets you meet instrument currency requirements without scrambling for aircraft or chasing down safety pilots. Knock out critical tasks on the ground—then finish in the airplane with your CFI-I.
How It Works
- Complete required IPC tasks in our AATD—before you ever leave the ground
- Apply those skills in the airplane with your CFI-I
- Build real IFR confidence, without guesswork or surprises
Three Ways to Stay IFR Current
Choose the approach that fits your schedule and training goals. Click any option to see details.
Currency vs. Proficiency: Legal Isn't Always Safe
Legal to File IFR
- 6 RNAV approaches, same airport
- VMC conditions, broke out before FAF
- Legal—but limited real experience
Safe to Fly IFR
- Diverse approaches: ILS, RNAV, VOR
- Multiple airports, varied minimums
- Confident in actual IMC
Currency keeps you legal. Proficiency keeps you safe. Train with diverse approaches—not just the same 6 at your home airport.
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Trusted by 500+ NYC pilots and students
Earn FAA WINGS Credit While Staying Current
Our LOFT scenarios are registered FAA Safety activities. Complete them with an airline pilot instructor and log WINGS credit toward your instrument proficiency.
Why Your Approaches Might Not Count Toward Currency
Understanding 14 CFR 61.57(c)(3) - the FAF/IMC rule most pilots don't know
Under 14 CFR 61.57(c)(3), an approach only counts if in actual IMC or under simulated conditions (view-limiting device). Break out before the FAF? It doesn't count.
| Scenario | Details | Counts? | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| VFR Airport Flow | Break out at before FAF, fly rest visually | ✗NO | You weren't in IMC or simulated IMC after the FAF. Approach doesn't count per 14 CFR 61.57(c)(3). |
| Actual IMC After the FAF | You Flew IMC at any point after the FAF, | ✓YES | You were in actual IMC through the critical phase of the approach. This counts. |
| Safety Pilot + Hood | Wearing view-limiting device through entire approach (even in VFR) | ✓YES | Simulated IMC per 14 CFR 61.57(c)(3)(B). This counts toward currency. |
| FAA-Certified AATD | Fly 6 diverse approaches (ILS, RNAV, VOR) in simulator down to minimums | ✓YES | Simulated IMC conditions per 14 CFR 61.57(e). Every approach counts. |
| Same Approach, VMC | 6 RNAV approaches to home airport, break out early every time | ✗NO | Legal? No. Proficient? No. If you break out before FAF, approaches don't count. |
| FAA Safety WINGS | Diverse scenarios in AATD every 3 months (ILS, RNAV, VOR) down to minimums | ✓YES | Maintains both currency AND proficiency. This is the Gold Standard for IFR competence. |
Most Approaches Don't Count
Pilots file IFR for traffic separation—not actual IMC. Break out before the FAF? That approach doesn't count.
Every Approach Counts in Sim
In our FAA-certified AATD, you're always "in IMC." Full approach, every time. 14 CFR 61.57(e) approved.
Diverse approaches every 3 months + WINGS = Currency AND Proficiency
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BikesWhy Choose Aviator.NYC for IFR Currency?
Major Airline Pilot as Your Instructor
Your instructor flies jets professionally for major airlines—not a part-timer building hours. They bring real-world experience from busy airspace and actual IMC conditions.
Real-World Techniques—Not Just "Fly Approaches"
We don't wing it. Our team uses airline-style flows and structured techniques to sharpen your IFR skills fast—so you fly with purpose, not uncertainty.
FAA-Certified AATD That Outperforms Most Planes
Our G1000-powered simulator mimics the real panel—complete with GFC 700 autopilot, full nav database, and Jeppesen charts. Everything feels like your aircraft—minus weather delays.
Versatile Aircraft Options—From Pistons to King Air
Fly single-engine trainers, complex multi-engine aircraft, or the King Air 200—all without leaving Manhattan. Stay sharp, stay legal, stay ready.
Your Instructor Isn't Building Flight Hours.They're Major Airline Pilots.
Julian
ATP
Peter
ATP
Charles
ATP
Elijah
ATP
William
ATP
Ethan
ATP
Liam
Instructor Specialties
Active Airline Pilots, Not Hour-Builders
Your instructor isn't working toward an airline job—they're already flying 777s, A320s, and 737s. They teach because they love aviation, not because they need hours.
Same Mentor, First Lesson to Checkride
You won't rotate through different instructors. Train with one airline pilot who learns your learning style, tracks your progress, and stays in your corner throughout your journey.
Professional Skills for Personal Flying
Learn the same procedures, decision-making, and safety habits that airline pilots use every day. You're not just learning to fly—you're learning to fly well.
IFR Currency & Proficiency
Stay legal and sharp in NYC
Stay current in NYC by flying your 6 approaches, holds, and tracking on our FAA-certified AATD—solo or with an instrument instructor.
Essential IFR Guides & Resources
Master instrument procedures with these in-depth guides from airline pilots
Unlocking VNAV on Garmin G1000
Master vertical navigation on the G1000 — setup, descent planning, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Mastering Climb Gradients for IFR Departures
Calculate and fly departure climb gradients — obstacle clearance, aircraft performance, and FMS techniques.
Approach Setup and Brief
Professional approach briefing techniques used by airline pilots — what to brief, when to brief it.
RNAV Equipment Airworthiness (Part 2)
Understand RNAV equipment requirements — what you need to file /G and fly RNAV approaches legally.
Optimize Your Instrument Rating Training
Proven strategies to train efficiently — simulator vs aircraft, lesson planning, and checkride prep.
Get Started with IFR Currency Training
Tell us about your IFR currency status and we'll create a personalized training plan.