Definition
A specific subsection of the Federal Aviation Regulations that addresses how an instrument-rated pilot who has lost instrument currency can regain it. Section 61.57(d) covers the Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC), and paragraph (2) lists who is authorized to give that check — including an examiner, an authorized instructor, or certain other qualified persons specified in the rule.
Plain English
This is the part of the rules that says who is allowed to give a pilot the test they need to get their instrument flying privileges back after they have lapsed.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of instrument proficiency checks, instructor lesson plans, logbook endorsements, and FAA handbook references about regaining or proving instrument currency.
Derivation
‘CFR’ stands for Code of Federal Regulations — the published collection of U.S. federal rules. ‘Part 61’ is the section of those rules covering pilot certification. The numbers after the part identify the specific section and paragraph being referenced. Knowing the numbering pattern helps a pilot find any rule quickly: part, section, paragraph, sub-paragraph.
Why Pilots Care
Failing to meet the standards in this section means the pilot cannot exercise instrument privileges until the check is successfully completed.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a handbook page number or a suggestion. It is a legal rule citation. It points to a specific requirement in the federal aviation regulations.
Example Sentence 1
After six months without flying in the clouds, the pilot scheduled an Instrument Proficiency Check with a CFII as required under 14 CFR part 61 section 61.57(d)(2).
Example Sentence 2
After the check, the pilot received an endorsement stating compliance with 14 CFR part 61 section 61.57(d)(2).