Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that sets the recent instrument experience required to act as pilot in command under instrument flight rules (IFR) or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for visual flight rules (VFR). Within the preceding 6 calendar months, the pilot must have performed and logged a specified set of instrument tasks — including six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems — in the appropriate category of aircraft, a flight simulator, a flight training device, or an aviation training device.
Plain English
This is the rule that says how recently a pilot must have practiced instrument flying to legally fly in the clouds or in low visibility. It lists the specific tasks — like approaches and holds — that must be completed and logged within the last six months.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument currency, instrument proficiency check, and flight instructor discussions about whether a pilot is legally current to fly under IFR.
Derivation
14 CFR' means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which contains all the FAA's rules. 'Part 61' covers the certification of pilots. 'Section 61.57' deals with recent flight experience. The '(c)' identifies the specific paragraph dealing with instrument experience. Reading the citation tells you exactly where in the regulations to look.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot who has not met recent instrument flight experience must pass this check before acting as pilot in command on an IFR flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a page number or a reference label. It points to a binding FAA rule that affects whether a pilot is legally current for instrument flight.
Example Sentence 1
Before filing IFR for the trip, she reviewed her logbook to confirm she still met the recent experience requirements of 14 CFR part 61 section 61.57(c).
Example Sentence 2
Before the IPC began, the instructor reviewed the specific maneuvers listed in 14 CFR part 61 section 61.57(c) with the pilot.