The IPC Three

IFR pilots know that an Instrument Proficiency Check is required if they are out of currency beyond the second six-month grace period after having become current (per 61.57(d)). Today, we’re going to discuss three resources that serve as a solid starting point for preparing for an IPC, particularly as background for the oral portion. We’ll also list two FAA IFR handbooks and one non-FAA oral exam guide that are helpful to review. 

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it serves as a reference if you find yourself out of currency and looking for some guidance before digging deeper into your IPC prep.

Our first resource is the ACS. 
We first need to review how an IPC is legally required to be conducted, and we find this guidance on page 29 of the Instrument ACS. There are two columns: The first lists the Required Area(s) of Operation, and the second adjacent column specifies the Required Task(s). 

Required Area of Operation Tasks: 

• Areas I and II, Preflight Prep & Procedures - None
• Area III, ATC Clearances & Procedures - Task B
• Area IV, Flight by Reference to Instruments - Task B
• Area V, Nav Systems - Task A
• Area VI, IAPs - Tasks A through E
• Area VII, Emergency Ops - Tasks B through D
• Area VIII, Postflight Procedures - All (Task A)

These can be accomplished in an AATD except for “The circling approach, landing Tasks, and Multiengine airplane Tasks [which] must be accomplished in an aircraft or FFS (Level B, C, or D),” per the ACS. Perhaps oddly, Areas I and II are not required. We’ll address those shortly. 

The second resource is AC 61-98E, Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check (10/30/24), geared towards General Aviation and flight instructors.

5.2.1 in this AC is worth careful scrutiny. On the topic of determining a pilot’s IFR knowledge, it says that “the flight instructor determines whether the pilot has adequate knowledge and understanding of 14 CFR part 91, especially Subpart B, Flight Rules; Subpart C, Equipment, Instrument, and Certificate Requirements; and Subpart E, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations.”

It goes on to say that the flight instructor determines that the pilot has adequate knowledge and understanding of several areas. You should read the specifics word-for-word before an IPC, but we’ll hit the broad categories here for brevity. 

1. Chart interpretation to include SIDs, ODPs, STARS, IAPs, RNAV/GPS/WAAS
2. Getting and interpreting Wx info
3. Preflight planning, including performance, NOTAMs, fuel requirements, alternates, and use of FAA publications like the A/FD
4. Aircraft systems for IFR
5. Aircraft instruments
6. Airworthiness
7. ATC procedures
8. AoA knowledge

Of these eight knowledge-related items, the Instrument ACS Area of Operations I & II are clearly presented and suggested here. Note that while Areas I and II are not required for an IPC per the ACS, this Advisory Circular lists many of the greatest hits from Areas I and II anyway, so it’s safer to treat them as if they are required.

Scrolling down to Appendix F, Sample Flight Review Checklist, Side 2, we find Ground Review. It’s a rather in-depth compilation that includes Pilot, Aircraft, Environment, and External Pressure subsections. If you’re thinking it bears a resemblance to PAVE, you’re right. 

• Under Pilot, we have Experience, Responsibility, and Cautions.
• Under Aircraft, we have Airworthiness, Maintenance, and Inspection.
• Under EnVironment, we have Airports, Airspace, ATC and Procedures, and Weather.
• And under External Pressure, we have Personal Minimums Worksheet, Risk Management (3-P model), and PTS/ACS. 

This section offers a comprehensive study outline, which, when combined with IPC Knowledge Portion 5.2.1, provides a solid foundation for preparation. 

Finally, our third resource is the FAR/AIM. In most paperback versions, there’s a section in the front that addresses the various ratings and recommended FAR and AIM readings. Turn to Part 91, where GA IFR ops are essentially contained within Instrument Flight Rules, 91.167-91.187.  

Beyond these three resources we’ve discussed, you might reference the Instrument Flying Handbook and Instrument Procedures Handbook as you study, but the resources detailed above cover specifically how an IPC is conducted. The Instrument ACS and AC 61-98E provide exactly that, with assistance from the organized section of the aforementioned FAR/AIM. 

It bears mentioning that the time-tested ASA Instrument Pilot Oral Exam Guide remains a steadfast resource that can be studied as well. 

In preparing for the oral portion of the IPC, expect about a two-hour ground session. It will be thorough, but using the above-listed references, you’ll have a solid foundation for success.  

Know Before You Go