Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that establishes the Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC), the evaluation a pilot must satisfactorily complete to regain instrument currency after the recent instrument experience requirements of 61.57(c) have lapsed beyond the allowed grace period. The IPC must be conducted by an authorized examiner, instrument-rated CFI, or other qualified person specified in the regulation, and must cover the areas of operation listed in the appropriate Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards.
Plain English
This is the FAA rule that says: if you've gone too long without flying enough instrument approaches and procedures to stay current, you can't just go fly in the clouds again. You have to take a check ride with a qualified instructor or examiner to prove you're still safe to fly on instruments.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument proficiency check planning, instructor guidance, logbook currency discussions, and questions about whether a pilot may legally fly in instrument conditions.
Derivation
14 CFR means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which contains all U.S. aviation rules. Part 61 covers pilot certification. Section 61.57 covers recent flight experience requirements. Subsection (d) is the specific paragraph dealing with the Instrument Proficiency Check.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot who does not meet these requirements cannot legally serve as pilot in command on an IFR flight until the check is successfully completed.
Grounding Statement
This citation points to the rule that turns an instrument proficiency check from extra practice into the required step for regaining instrument flying privileges after being out of currency too long.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part” and “section” as casual labels. In this context, they are exact locations inside federal aviation law: part 61 is the larger rule area, and section 61.57(d) is the specific paragraph being applied.
Example Sentence 1
Because more than twelve months had passed since her last instrument approaches, the pilot scheduled an IPC under 14 CFR part 61 section 61.57(d) before her next IFR flight.
Example Sentence 2
Because more than twelve months had passed since the last IPC, the pilot scheduled a new check to satisfy 14 CFR part 61 section 61.57(d).