Knocking the Rust Off Your IFR Skills

Instrument flying is a perishable skill. Here's how to ensure you stay fresh.

Thursday, December 08, 2022 at 11:54 AM ET

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If it has been awhile since you exercised your instrument skills, you may want to take a few practice flights with an instructor before you head back into the clouds by yourself. [FLYING graphic]

Key Takeaways:

Maintaining IFR proficiency goes beyond physical flying skills, as mental aspects like procedure recall, confidence, and flight planning (e.g., alternates, weather, approach plate details) are often the first to degrade.
Pilots must meet FAR 61.57(c) recency requirements (6 approaches, holding, intercept/track within 6 months), which can be accomplished in aircraft or approved flight training devices.
Effective "rust removal" involves a comprehensive review of FARs (e.g., equipment, reporting requirements), weather patterns, IFR communication, and using structured tools or mnemonics (like CRAFT, MARRTHA, T-Party, UPs) for procedures and briefings.
To regain proficiency and confidence, pilots should engage in home study, practice IFR flights in VFR conditions, simulate instrument failures, and regularly challenge themselves with new procedures or online resources.

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Many pilots will tell you that the instrument rating is the hardest to get, and the skills learned in the process are the easiest to lose. If it has been awhile since you exercised your instrument skills, you may want to take a few practice flights with an instructor before you head back into the clouds by yourself. Here are a few tips to make the most of your time.

FAR 61.57(c) lists the experience required to exercise pilot-in-command privileges in IFR conditions. In addition to meeting the recency requirements for VFR flight, the pilot must have, within the preceding six calendar months, performed and logged at least six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of electronic navigational systems. The tasks can be accomplished in actual weather or under simulated conditions using a view-limiting device. If it’s been within the 12 months since your initial instrument rating, you also have the six-month window to maintain currency on your own if you haven’t flown the required tasks in those first six months. Go beyond that, and you will require an instrument proficiency check (IPC) with a CFII.