Title 14 CFR part 61, § 61.57(d) outlines the requirements for an IPC. This chapter provides guidance on the conduct of the IPC. Appendix I provides an optional IPC checklist as an instructor job aid resource for conducting an IPC. FAA Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards (PTS) and Instrument Rating – Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS) (FAA-S-ACS-8), as applicable, outline the required areas of operations and associated tasks conducted in an IPC (see paragraph 5.3).

The flight instructor must hold an instrument rating on their pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate that is appropriate to the category and class of aircraft used for the IPC. For example, an IPC conducted in a multiengine airplane requires a flight instructor who holds both multiengine and instrument ratings on their pilot and flight instructor certificate. The basis for flight instructor privileges and limitations is found in §§ 61.193 and 61.195. The flight instructor should also meet currency requirements for their pilot and flight instructor certificate.

A flight instructor may conduct all or part (as specified in FAA-S-ACS-8 (airplanes only) or in the instrument ACS or PTS appropriate to the category of aircraft used) of the IPC in an FAA-approved full flight simulator (FFS), flight training device (FTD), or Aviation Training Device (ATD), as appropriate. If the IPC is accomplished in an FFS or FTD qualified under 14 CFR part 60, that IPC checking program must receive approval by the FAA Administrator (§ 61.4). Guidance on what IPC instrument tasks can be accomplished in an FFS, FTD, or ATD is located in the current instrument PTS or ACS, as appropriate.

The flight instructor should structure an IPC in a manner similar to that of the flight review, tailoring the check to the needs of the pilot.

The flight instructor and pilot should discuss the operating conditions under which the flight instructor will conduct the check. If the flight instructor conducts the check in an aircraft, the check may be under visual flight rules (VFR) or instrument flight rules (IFR) in simulated instrument conditions, or it may be under IFR in actual instrument conditions. If the flight instructor conducts the check under IFR, or while under VFR conditions simulating instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) with a view-limiting device, it is the flight instructor’s responsibility to constantly remain vigilant to see other aircraft throughout all phases of the flight.

The Pilot’s Instrument Experience Summary in Appendix G is available to help the flight instructor structure an appropriate ground review for the IPC. A table in the instrument ACS or PTS appropriate to the category of aircraft used lists the areas of operation and associated tasks required for successful completion of the IPC.

As with the flight review, the flight instructor should develop a plan of action that uses realistic scenarios to organize and sequence the required tasks and maneuvers. Appendix H contains a sample plan of action for conducting the IPC. The flight instructor should also discuss crewmember roles and responsibilities with the pilot.

After completing the above analysis, the flight instructor should review these considerations with the pilot and reach an understanding regarding how the flight instructor will conduct the IPC. The flight instructor should also review the criteria for satisfactory completion with the pilot under review. The flight instructor may wish to provide the pilot with reading materials or recommend publications for study before conducting the IPC. For example, the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) provides many free online “Wings Courses for Pilots,” which includes a free online IPC preparation course ALC-38, Instrument Proficiency Check Review Guide. You can find this course at https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_catalog.aspx.