As an instrument rated pilot, you are required to perform six instrument approaches within six calendar months, including intercepting, tracking, and a holding pattern. If you do not complete these approaches within the first six calendar months, you are not able to use the privileges of your instrument rating and you have another six-calendar-month grace period to perform the currency requirements. If you are not able to complete the currency requirements within the second six-calendar-month period (twelve calendar months total), you must receive an instrument proficiency check (IPC).
Although the FAA does not regulate the training that must be obtained, they do recommend 90 minutes of ground training and two hours of flight training. The FAA also recommends that the IPC focuses on cross country flight planning under an IFR flight, and addresses the following topics.
- Weather Planning (Including personal minimums and time/fuel/distance to VFR)
- Aircraft Performance and Equipment
- Alternatives and Delays
- Fuel Requirements
- Risk Management (P.A.V.E)
- Runway Incursions
- Instrument Departure Procedure
- En Route Navigation
- En Route Weather
- IFR Emergencies
- Standard Terminal Arrival Procedures (STARs)
- Instrument Approach Procedures
- Missed Approach Procedures