Instrument Currency Requirements Under 14 CFR 61.57
What counts toward instrument currency — and why most pilots' approaches don't
Official Source: These requirements are summarized from 14 CFR 61.57. Always verify current regulations on eCFR.gov or consult an FAA-certificated instructor. Regulations may be updated.
The Basic Requirements
To maintain instrument currency, complete these within the preceding 6 calendar months:
- ✓Six instrument approaches — diverse types recommended (ILS, RNAV, VOR)
- ✓Holding procedures and tasks — entries, timing, corrections
- ✓Intercepting and tracking courses — using navigational systems
Grace Period: If your currency lapses, you have an additional 6 months (total 12) to complete these requirements. After 12 months, an IPC is required.
The Catch: Why Your Approaches Might Not Count
Under 14 CFR 61.57(c)(3), an approach only counts if performed in actual IMC or under simulated conditions (view-limiting device) after the Final Approach Fix.
| Scenario | Details | Counts? | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| VFR Airport Flow | Break out 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 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 | If you break out before FAF, approaches don't count—even if you fly 10 of them. |
| 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 Our AATD
In our FAA-certified simulator, you're always "in IMC." Full approach to minimums, every time. 14 CFR 61.57(e) approved.
Diverse approaches every 3 months + WINGS = Currency AND Proficiency
The Real Cost of Letting Currency Lapse
| Scenario | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Stay current (1 session every 6 months) | ~$760/year | 4 hours total |
| Lapse into grace period, catch up | $380-570 | 2-3 hours |
| Require full IPC (aircraft + instructor elsewhere) | $1,500-3,000+ | 4-6+ hours |
AATDs cannot be used for IPC (circle-to-land requirement). If your currency lapses beyond the grace period, you'll need an IPC in an actual aircraft.
Beyond the money
Skills Fade Fast
Rust accumulates faster than you think
First Flight Risk
The first approach in actual IMC shouldn't be your first in months
Confidence Counts
Confidence matters when you're at minimums
How Do You Want to Train?
With an Instructor
Best for: Pilots who want feedback, structured scenarios, or WINGS credits.
What you get:
- ✓Real-time feedback and error correction
- ✓Scenario setup and management handled for you
- ✓Safety pilot time logging
- ✓WINGS credit eligibility
- ✓Learn from pilots who fly IFR professionally
Solo Practice
Best for: Current pilots who know the procedures and just need to log time.
What you get:
- ✓Lower cost ($85/hr or $42.50/hr bundled)
- ✓No checkout required – walk in and fly
- ✓Flexible scheduling
- ✓Full G1000 NXi with current databases
- ✓100% loggable toward currency requirements
IFR Currency Session Pricing
Choose hourly for occasional practice. Choose bundles to save when you need more reps.
With Instructor
Airline pilot CFII guides you through approaches, holds, and procedures
Hourly = pilots who fly IFR regularly and need occasional practice.
Bundle = pilots rebuilding proficiency or prepping for an IPC.
Three Ways to Stay IFR Current
Choose the approach that fits your schedule and training goals. Click any option to see details.
IFR Currency Timeline
Choose your path based on when you last logged 6 approaches + holds
FLY SOLO. NO CHECKOUT.
Already instrument-rated? Book the simulator on your own time. Fly approaches, practice holds, maintain currency. No instructor required.
- +G1000 NXi with worldwide nav database
- +Log approaches for currency
- +Book any available time slot
Find Your IFR Currency Path
Two questions. Personalized recommendation. Solo or dual — we'll match you with the right session.
Step 1: Am I Current?
14 CFR 61.57(c) - 6 approaches, holds, tracking
Step 2: How Sharp Am I?
Solo vs Dual instruction decision
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Location
TRAIN TO FLY IN MANHATTAN
Hudson Square, Manhattan
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Why Choose Aviator.NYC
for IFR Currency?
Professional instruction in Manhattan. Build skills here, fly at the airport.
Airline Pilot Instructors
Learn from professionals who fly professionally.
Manhattan Location
Train in Hudson Square, minutes from any subway line.
FAA-Certified Simulator
Realistic training that counts toward your certificate.
Flexible Scheduling
Book sessions when it works for you. Evenings and weekends available.
Your Instructor Isn't Building Flight Hours.
They're Major Airline Pilots.
Our instructors fly for major airlines—they brief and execute IFR approaches professionally, slowing from 250 knots to decision altitude. That depth of experience translates directly to teaching you the procedures, timing, and discipline that keeps currency from feeling like a checkbox.
NYC Location. FAA-Approved Simulator.
Built by Precision Flight Controls • Model GTX G1000 • FAA AATD Certified
IFR Currency & Proficiency
There's no reason to lose instrument currency in NYC. Log your required 6 approaches, holding, and tracking in our FAA-certified AATD—solo or with an instructor. Push your limits with mountain terrain, foreign airports, or challenging weather scenarios. Beyond 6 months? Prepare for your IPC in the simulator, then complete it efficiently in your aircraft.
IFR Currency Refresher Guides
Sharpen your instrument skills — holding patterns, approaches, and avionics proficiency
Holding Pattern Entry Procedures
Refresh holding entries with interactive calculators — 6 approaches, holding required for currency.
Professional Approach Briefing
Refresh your approach briefing technique — avoid rust errors on your next IFR flight.
Approach Briefing Mistakes to Avoid
Common errors that creep in when you haven't flown IFR in a while — avoid these pitfalls.
Approach Configuration Timing
Stay sharp on configuration timing — when to configure flaps, gear, and speed.
G1000 Approach Activation Tips
Avionics refresher — loading and activating approaches on Garmin equipment.
Book Your Currency Session
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Get Started with IFR Currency Training
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