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 challenging, requiring consistent practice of approaches, holds, and tracking, best achieved through real-world flying or using simulators and a competent safety pilot.
• A good safety pilot is crucial for simulated IFR, needing to be FAA-compliant, familiar with the aircraft and airspace, and primarily focused on "see and avoid" duties rather than actively assisting with flying.
• Effective practice methods include flying actual IFR in "loggable" conditions for realistic experience or using a safety pilot, with clear pre-flight briefings establishing mutual expectations and the safety pilot's defined role (e.g., traffic spotting, not coaching).

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