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IFR LOFT Scenario

IFR Currency: Six Approaches

Route: Local Practice Area

Structured IFR currency session to regain or maintain instrument currency under 14 CFR §61.57(c). Six approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking.

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Scenario Overview

Structured IFR currency session based at Republic Airport to satisfy or practice 14 CFR 61.57(c) requirements. Six approaches, holding patterns, and intercepting/tracking courses in a realistic traffic environment. Designed for pilots who are current and want to stay sharp, or those who need to regain currency.

FAA WINGS Credit
Basic 95168 crAdvanced 95169 crMaster 96190 cr

Complete this LOFT with one of our CFIIs to earn WINGS credit toward your pilot proficiency. Learn more at FAASafety.gov

ILSRNAVLOCHoldingTrackingCurrency

Route & Flight Plan

Local practice area: KFRG and nearby approaches
Altitude3,000-4,000
DistanceN/A
ETE2:00

ATC Audio Practice

Real ATC recordings from LiveATC. Practice extracting weather from ATIS and copying IFR clearances at real-world cadence. Learn IFR clearance techniques

These are actual recordings from airport frequencies. The weather, routing, and clearances will differ from the planned scenario — the training value is in listening proficiency and ATC communication cadence.

ATIS

KFRG ATISKFRG1:30
0:00/1:30

Republic Airport ATIS — practice copying a full ATIS and writing down every element before checking

Airport Information

Departure
KFRG
Republic Airport
Farmingdale, NY
Elevation: 82 ft MSL
Runways
RWYLengthSurface
14/326,833 ftasphalt
1/195,517 ftasphalt
Frequencies
ATIS126.65
GND121.6
TWR118.8
APP128.125
Approaches
ILS RWY 14, RNAV GPS RWY 1, RNAV GPS RWY 14, RNAV GPS RWY 19, RNAV GPS RWY 32
Destination
KFRG
Republic Airport
Farmingdale, NY
Elevation: 82 ft MSL
Runways
RWYLengthSurface
14/326,833 ftasphalt
1/195,517 ftasphalt
Frequencies
ATIS126.65
GND121.6
TWR118.8
APP128.125
Approaches
ILS RWY 14, RNAV GPS RWY 1, RNAV GPS RWY 14, RNAV GPS RWY 19, RNAV GPS RWY 32

Weather Scenario

Simulated standard IFR conditions for currency practice. Overcast ceiling at 1,000 feet with 3-mile visibility at 1400Z provides realistic instrument conditions while allowing safe practice. TAF shows stable conditions through the 1400-1600Z session window. Winds are light to minimize crosswind complexity and let the pilot focus on approach precision.

Session start (1400Z)KFRGIFR
KFRG 141400Z 24006KT 3SM BR OVC010 12/10 A3000 RMK AO2
Overcast at 1,000 feet, visibility 3 miles in mist, standard IFR practice conditions

Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts

DepartureKFRG
TAF KFRG 140530Z 1406/1506 24005KT 3SM BR OVC010 FM141000 24006KT 3SM BR OVC008 TEMPO 1410/1414 2SM BR OVC006 FM141400 24007KT 3SM BR OVC010 FM141600 24008KT 3SM BR OVC012 FM150000 25008KT 4SM BR OVC015
En RouteKISP
TAF KISP 140530Z 1406/1506 24005KT 3SM BR OVC012 FM141000 24006KT 3SM BR OVC010 TEMPO 1410/1414 2SM BR OVC007 FM141400 24007KT 3SM BR OVC010 FM141600 24008KT 3SM BR OVC012 FM150000 25008KT 4SM BR OVC015
ArrivalKFRG
TAF KFRG 140530Z 1406/1506 24005KT 3SM BR OVC010 FM141000 24006KT 3SM BR OVC008 TEMPO 1410/1414 2SM BR OVC006 FM141400 24007KT 3SM BR OVC010 FM141600 24008KT 3SM BR OVC012 FM150000 25008KT 4SM BR OVC015

Lesson Profile

Scenario timeline with phases, altitudes, and key events
PhaseTimeAltitudeEvents
Briefing & Setup0:00-0:10GroundReview currency requirements: 6 approaches, holding, intercepting/tracking in preceding 6 months. Brief first two approaches (ILS 14 and RNAV 32 at KFRG).
Approach 1-2: KFRG0:10-0:3582-3,000ILS RWY 14 at KFRG — precision approach with glideslope tracking. Missed approach, climb to 3,000. RNAV GPS RWY 32 — LNAV approach with step-down fixes.
Holding Pattern0:35-0:503,000Hold at a published fix. Practice direct, teardrop, and parallel entries. Track inbound and outbound courses. Timing on the outbound leg (1 minute).
Approach 3-4: KFRG0:50-1:153,000RNAV GPS RWY 1 at KFRG — different runway orientation for wind correction practice. RNAV GPS RWY 19 — circling approach if conditions permit.
Approach 5-6: Nearby1:15-1:403,000-4,000ILS Y RWY 23 at KMMU or ILS RWY 6 at KISP — practice at an unfamiliar airport. One additional approach to complete six total. Intercept and track exercise on return.
Debrief1:40-2:00GroundReview approach technique, common errors, holding pattern entries. Discuss currency versus proficiency — meeting the legal requirement versus being truly safe.

Post-LOFT Approach Practice

After the LOFT scenario concludes, practice 2 additional approaches for a total of 3 per session. Session is planned for up to 6 approaches — ask your CFII for additional practice.

Approach 2
KFRG
RNAV (GPS) RWY 1
Third approach in sequence; different runway orientation for wind correction variety
Approach 3
KMMU
ILS Y RWY 23
Unfamiliar airport approach to complete session; practice briefing a new plate under time pressure

Training Objectives

Proficiency

  • Fly six instrument approaches of varying types
  • Execute holding pattern entries and timing
  • Intercept and track VOR radials and GPS courses

Progress

  • Maintain precise altitude and heading control throughout
  • Transition smoothly between different approach types
  • Manage workload during sequential approach practice

Single-Pilot CRM

  • Communicate with simulated ATC for practice approaches
  • Self-brief each approach efficiently between procedures
  • Manage fatigue during repetitive precision tasks

Prepare for Your Session

What are the IFR currency requirements under 14 CFR 61.57(c)?
Within the preceding 6 calendar months: 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses using navigational electronic systems. These can be performed in actual IMC, simulated conditions (with a safety pilot), or an approved flight simulator/training device.
What happens if you let your IFR currency lapse?
If currency lapses for less than 6 months beyond the initial 6-month period (i.e., within 12 months total), you can regain currency by completing the 66HIT requirements with a safety pilot or in a simulator. Beyond 12 months, you must pass an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) with a CFII.
What is the difference between IFR currency and IFR proficiency?
Currency is the legal minimum (6 approaches, holding, tracking in 6 months). Proficiency is the ability to safely fly in IMC. A pilot can be legally current but dangerously unproficient. Regular practice beyond the minimums, partial panel skills, and decision-making practice build true proficiency.
How should you log IFR currency events?
Log each approach by type (ILS, RNAV, VOR), airport, and runway. Log holding by fix name and entry type. Log tracking exercises. Note whether performed in actual IMC, simulated (with safety pilot named), or in an approved training device (device ID). Include the date and total instrument time.
Can you satisfy IFR currency requirements in a flight simulator?
Yes. An Aviation Training Device (ATD) approved under 14 CFR 61.4(c) can be used for all currency requirements when used with an authorized instructor. A full flight simulator or flight training device can also be used. The key is that the device must be approved and the events must be logged properly.
Instructor Notes
This is a proficiency-building session, not a pass/fail scenario. Let the student fly approaches back-to-back with minimal interruption. Note errors for the debrief but do not stop them mid-approach unless safety is compromised. Common issues: glideslope tracking on ILS (chasing the needle), timing on holding outbound leg, and course tracking after the FAF on RNAV approaches. Emphasize that currency is the floor, not the ceiling.