Definition
An evaluation flight conducted with an authorized instructor or examiner that an instrument-rated pilot must complete to regain instrument currency after the recent instrument experience requirements have lapsed beyond the grace period. The check covers the areas of operation and tasks listed in the Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards and must be logged and signed by the person conducting the check.
Plain English
If a pilot has not flown enough instrument approaches and procedures recently to stay legally current, they cannot get current again just by practicing on their own. They have to fly a check ride with a qualified instructor or examiner who tests their instrument flying skills and signs them off.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument currency discussions, flight training records, and instructor guidance for pilots returning to instrument flying after time away.
Derivation
Proficiency comes from a Latin word meaning “to make progress” or “be useful.” In aviation, it points to real usable ability, not just having once learned the skill. Check means an evaluation to confirm that ability.
Why Pilots Care
Restores the legal ability to act as pilot in command on flights that require instrument flight rules.
Intuition Check
An IPC is not just a paperwork check or a casual review. It is a practical evaluation of whether the pilot can actually perform the required instrument flying tasks safely.
Example Sentence 1
Because she had not flown any approaches in over a year, the pilot scheduled an IPC with her instructor before filing IFR again.
Example Sentence 2
During the IPC the instructor covered approaches and holding patterns under a view-limiting device.