IFR Practice Approaches

Many instrument-rated pilots struggle to maintain their proficiency for IFR. Logging the six approaches, holding procedures and course intercepts/tracking required by FAR 61.57(c) can be quite the challenge for pilots who fly infrequently or who are based in regions where good weather is routine. Simulators and training devices can be major boosts to maintaining proficiency, especially when focused on maintaining instrument scanning skills and practicing IFR procedures. But when it comes to flying personal aircraft in the clag, theres nothing that beats practicing in the real thing.

Key Takeaways:

• Maintaining IFR proficiency is crucial for instrument-rated pilots, requiring regular practice both in simulated conditions with a safety pilot and, when safe and legal, in actual Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
• A good safety pilot is essential for simulated IFR practice, needing to meet FAA requirements, possess compatibility, familiarity with the aircraft/airspace, and clearly understand their primary role is visual lookout for traffic and obstacles, not assisting with flying tasks.
• Effective practice sessions involve thoroughly briefing the safety pilot on the flight plan and their specific, limited duties, and strategically choosing opportunities to fly in "loggable" actual IMC for valuable real-world experience.

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