Definition
A pilot status meaning the pilot holds a valid instrument rating on their certificate and has met the recent flight experience requirements of 14 CFR 61.57(c) within the preceding six calendar months — specifically, six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems. A pilot who is instrument rated but has not met these recent experience requirements is rated but not current, and may not act as pilot in command under instrument flight rules or in instrument meteorological conditions until currency is regained.
Plain English
The pilot has earned the instrument rating and has also done enough recent instrument flying to legally fly in clouds or low-visibility conditions today.
Context Anchor
Used when judging whether a pilot is qualified for a flight that may involve clouds, low visibility, or flight by reference to instruments.
Derivation
“Instrument” comes from the idea of a tool used to measure or show information. In aviation, it refers to the cockpit instruments used to control the aircraft when outside visual references are limited. “Rated” means the pilot has an official certificate privilege, and “current” means that privilege is backed up by recent required experience.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot who is instrument rated but not current cannot legally or safely accept an IFR clearance or operate in IMC.
Intuition Check
Do not read “rated” as “probably capable” or “current” as “still interested and active.” Here, “rated” means officially authorized, and “current” means the pilot has met specific recent experience requirements.
Example Sentence 1
Before accepting the flight into forecast low ceilings, she confirmed she was instrument rated and current, having flown six approaches in the last two months.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor refused the flight because the student was instrument rated but not current on approaches.