IFR Currency Timeline
Choose your path based on when you last logged 6 approaches + holds
The Real Cost of Letting Currency Lapse
| Scenario | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Stay current (1 session every 6 months) | ~$760/year | 4 hours total |
| Lapse into grace period, catch up | $380-570 | 2-3 hours |
| Require full IPC (aircraft + instructor elsewhere) | $1,500-3,000+ | 4-6+ hours |
AATDs cannot be used for IPC (circle-to-land requirement). If your currency lapses beyond the grace period, you'll need an IPC in an actual aircraft.
Beyond the money
Skills Fade Fast
Rust accumulates faster than you think
First Flight Risk
The first approach in actual IMC shouldn't be your first in months
Confidence Counts
Confidence matters when you're at minimums
How Do You Want to Stay IFR Current?
IFR currency training at Aviator.NYC offers two paths: dual instruction with an airline pilot CFII, or self-directed solo practice. Dual sessions include LOFT scenarios, structured approach profiles, real-time feedback, and FAA WINGS credits. Solo practice gives current pilots access to the full G1000 NXi simulator with current NavData — no checkout required. Both options log toward 14 CFR 61.57 instrument currency requirements.
With an Airline Pilot CFII
Which Option Fits You?
| Your Situation | Dual (CFII) | Solo |
|---|---|---|
| When did you last fly IFR? | 3+ months ago | Last few weeks |
| What do you need? | Structured scenarios + feedback | Just log approaches |
| Who is your instructor? | Active airline pilot CFII | Self-directed — no instructor |
| Available scenarios → | LOFT, Local Profiles, Custom | Pre-built profiles, Custom |
| Checkout required? | No | |
| Simulator avionics |
| |
| Aircraft types available → | Single PistonCessna 172R/S, Cessna 182T, Cessna 206H, Bonanza G36, Diamond DA40, Piper Archer, Piper Matrix, Piper Mirage, Cessna Corvalis 350, Cessna Corvalis 400TTMulti PistonBeechcraft Baron G58, Piper Seminole, Piper Seneca, Diamond DA42Single TurbopropCessna Caravan 208B, Quest Kodiak 100Multi TurbopropKing Air B200 | |
| Preparing for an IPC? | Yes — best option | Practice only |
| FAA WINGS credits? ↗ | ✓ Eligible | — |
| Counts toward 61.57 currency? | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Counts toward commercial (50hr AATD)? | ✓ Yes — dual instruction logs toward the 50-hour AATD limit | — |
| Weather or scheduling issues? | No delays — simulator | No delays — simulator |
| Cost per hour | $190/hr | $85/hr |
| Best bundle deal | $780 (6hr at $130/hr) | $340 (8hr at $42.50/hr) |
Not sure? If you haven't flown IFR in 3+ months, start with dual. If you flew last week, solo is enough.
What Is the FAA WINGS Program?
WINGS is the FAA's voluntary Pilot Proficiency Program. Complete activities at your level to earn credits toward a WINGS phase — which can replace your flight review. Our simulator sessions are FAA-accepted WINGS activities at three proficiency levels.
master Level
ATP/CFI ACS
3 credits per session
Airport operations + flight operations + knowledge
Each session earns 3 of 4 credits needed. One Risk Management credit completes the phase.
advanced Level
Commercial ACS
2 credits per session
Flight operations + knowledge
Each session earns 2 of 4 credits needed. Two sessions plus knowledge activities complete the phase.
basic Level
Private Pilot / Instrument ACS
2 credits per session
Flight operations + knowledge
Each session earns 2 of 6 credits needed. Three sessions plus knowledge activities complete the phase.
Which Scenarios Can You Fly?
Every session is different. Pick any scenario below — each one earns FAA WINGS credit and challenges a different instrument skill. No required order.
Structured IFR currency session to regain or maintain instrument currency under 14 CFR §61.57(c). Six approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking.
Mountain IFR flying through Colorado with convective weather and terrain challenges.
Desert-to-urban IFR with high density altitude, terrain, and busy Class B airspace.
Mountain crossing IFR through the Cascades with icing and low visibility.
Get-home-itis scenario with deteriorating weather and decision-making pressure.
Coastal IFR with marine layer, fog, and fatigue/business pressure decision-making.
Short-hop IFR through NYC Class B with complex arrival procedures and unfamiliar aircraft.
Corporate flight into major Class B airport with sequencing, speed restrictions, and personal urgency.
Medical delivery mission under time pressure with low IFR conditions.
Transport-category profile with full SID/STAR sequencing. Airline interview prep and single-pilot jet IFR training.
Northeast corridor IFR with Class B departures, busy ATC, and complex arrival procedures.
Mountain IFR into challenging terrain with special approach procedures and weather considerations.
Mountain resort destination with terrain challenges, special procedures, and weather decision-making.
Hawaiian inter-island IFR with oceanic procedures, volcanic terrain, and tropical weather.
South American high-altitude IFR with challenging terrain, international procedures, and mountain weather.
View all 15 WINGS scenarios and earn FAA proficiency credits →
Stay IFR-Sharp with Airline Pilots
Our instructors fly IFR professionally — domestic and international routes.
We teach the why behind each procedure, not just the how.
Currency sessions focus on safety and real-world proficiency, not just meeting minimums.
Find Your IFR Currency Path
Two questions. Personalized recommendation. Solo or dual — we'll match you with the right session.
Step 1: Am I Current?
14 CFR 61.57(c) - 6 approaches, holds, tracking
Step 2: How Sharp Am I?
Solo vs Dual instruction decision
Location
TRAIN TO FLY IN MANHATTAN
Hudson Square, Manhattan
Loading reviews...
Tap any station for live arrival times
Why Choose Aviator.NYC
for IFR Currency?
Professional instruction in Manhattan. Build skills here, fly at the airport.
Airline Pilot Instructors
Learn from professionals who fly professionally.
Manhattan Location
Train in Hudson Square, minutes from any subway line.
FAA-Certified Simulator
Realistic training that counts toward your certificate.
Flexible Scheduling
Book sessions when it works for you. Evenings and weekends available.
Your Instructor Isn't Building Flight Hours.
They're Major Airline Pilots.
Our instructors fly for major airlines—they brief and execute IFR approaches professionally, slowing from 250 knots to decision altitude. That depth of experience translates directly to teaching you the procedures, timing, and discipline that keeps currency from feeling like a checkbox.
NYC Location. FAA-Approved Simulator.
Built by Precision Flight Controls • Model GTX G1000 • FAA AATD Certified
IFR Currency & Proficiency
There's no reason to lose instrument currency in NYC. Log your required 6 approaches, holding, and tracking in our FAA-certified AATD—solo or with an instructor. Push your limits with mountain terrain, foreign airports, or challenging weather scenarios. Beyond 6 months? Prepare for your IPC in the simulator, then complete it efficiently in your aircraft.
Instrument Currency Requirements Under 14 CFR 61.57
What counts toward instrument currency — and why most pilots' approaches don't
Official Source: These requirements are summarized from 14 CFR 61.57. Always verify current regulations on eCFR.gov or consult an FAA-certificated instructor. Regulations may be updated.
The Basic Requirements
To maintain instrument currency, complete these within the preceding 6 calendar months:
- ✓Six instrument approaches — diverse types recommended (ILS, RNAV, VOR)
- ✓Holding procedures and tasks — entries, timing, corrections
- ✓Intercepting and tracking courses — using navigational systems
Grace Period: If your currency lapses, you have an additional 6 months (total 12) to complete these requirements. After 12 months, an IPC is required.
The Catch: Why Your Approaches Might Not Count
Under 14 CFR 61.57(c)(3), an approach only counts if performed in actual IMC or under simulated conditions (view-limiting device) after the Final Approach Fix.
| Scenario | Details | Counts? | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| VFR Airport Flow | Break out before FAF, fly rest visually | ✗NO | You weren't in IMC or simulated IMC after the FAF. Approach doesn't count per 14 CFR 61.57(c)(3). |
| Actual IMC After FAF | You flew IMC at any point after the FAF | ✓YES | You were in actual IMC through the critical phase of the approach. This counts. |
| Safety Pilot + Hood | Wearing view-limiting device through entire approach (even in VFR) | ✓YES | Simulated IMC per 14 CFR 61.57(c)(3)(B). This counts toward currency. |
| FAA-Certified AATD | Fly 6 diverse approaches (ILS, RNAV, VOR) in simulator down to minimums | ✓YES | Simulated IMC conditions per 14 CFR 61.57(e). Every approach counts. |
| Same Approach, VMC | 6 RNAV approaches to home airport, break out early every time | ✗NO | If you break out before FAF, approaches don't count—even if you fly 10 of them. |
| FAA Safety WINGS | Diverse scenarios in AATD every 3 months (ILS, RNAV, VOR) down to minimums | ✓YES | Maintains both currency AND proficiency. This is the Gold Standard for IFR competence. |
Most Approaches Don't Count
Pilots file IFR for traffic separation — not actual IMC. Break out before the FAF? That approach doesn't count.
Every Approach Counts in Our AATD
In our FAA-certified simulator, you're always "in IMC." Full approach to minimums, every time. 14 CFR 61.57(e) approved.
Diverse approaches every 3 months + WINGS = Currency AND Proficiency
IFR Currency Refresher Guides
Sharpen your instrument skills — holding patterns, approaches, and avionics proficiency
Holding Pattern Entry Procedures
Refresh holding entries with interactive calculators — 6 approaches, holding required for currency.
Professional Approach Briefing
Refresh your approach briefing technique — avoid rust errors on your next IFR flight.
Approach Briefing Mistakes to Avoid
Common errors that creep in when you haven't flown IFR in a while — avoid these pitfalls.
Approach Configuration Timing
Stay sharp on configuration timing — when to configure flaps, gear, and speed.
G1000 Approach Activation Tips
Avionics refresher — loading and activating approaches on Garmin equipment.
Book Your Currency Session
Stay IFR current with airline pilot instruction.
Trusted by 500+ NYC pilots and students
Get Started with IFR Currency Training
Tell us about your IFR currency status and an airline pilot will help create your training plan.