McHenry Flight TrainingJACOB McHENRY · CFI · CFII · KBFL

Jacob McHenry · CFI · CFII · KBFL Meadows Field

Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) in Bakersfield, CA

Regain or sharpen your IFR skills with an IPC under 14 CFR 61.57 from a CFII at KBFL Meadows Field.

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What is an instrument proficiency check?

An instrument proficiency check (IPC) is a check flight and ground review that lets an instrument-rated pilot who is no longer instrument current demonstrate proficiency and regain the ability to fly IFR. It is described in 14 CFR 61.57(d). Many instrument-rated pilots also choose to take an IPC periodically, even when still current, as a way to polish skills and get fresh feedback.

Do I need an IPC?

If you have not met the instrument currency requirements of 14 CFR 61.57(c) (six instrument approaches, holding procedures and intercepting and tracking courses, in actual or simulated instrument conditions, within the preceding six calendar months), you cannot act as pilot in command under IFR or in less than VFR weather until you have regained currency. Depending on how long it has been, you may be able to use a safety pilot or instructor to regain currency, or you may need an IPC. Ask if you are not sure about your situation. The regulations are the authority.

What the IPC covers

An IPC is built around the tasks of the instrument rating Airman Certification Standards, and typically includes:

  • A ground review of regulations, IFR planning, weather and procedures.
  • ATC clearances, communication and procedures.
  • Flight by reference to instruments.
  • Navigation systems and instrument approach procedures, including precision and non-precision approaches.
  • Holds, emergency procedures and abnormal situations.

When you complete it, the instructor endorses your logbook.

Night cockpit view of a lit instrument panel with a Garmin GPS and radio stack, an instructor's and a student's hands on the yoke, and city lights outside the windshield
Night instrument practice: a lit panel with a Garmin GPS and radio stack, with an instructor's and a student's hands near the yoke and city lights outside. A photo from one of Jacob's flights.

How to prepare

  • Review your instrument approach charts, the Aeronautical Information Manual and recent regulatory changes.
  • Be familiar with the avionics in the airplane you will use (see the aircraft resources page).
  • Bring your logbook, pilot certificate and medical certificate.

Airplane requirements

The airplane must be properly equipped and current for IFR, including inspections and required instruments and equipment. Confirm this with the shop when you reserve it. Megahertz Sky Hub lists rental airplanes with GPS navigators and electronic instruments; confirm rates ($172/hr wet at last check) and equipment directly. Flight instruction is $70 per hour, separate from airplane rental.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need an IPC?
Under 14 CFR 61.57 you must be instrument current to act as pilot in command under IFR or in weather below VFR minimums. Currency generally means six instrument approaches, holding procedures and intercepting and tracking courses within the preceding six calendar months. If you do not meet those requirements, the regulation gives a limited window to regain currency; beyond that, an instrument proficiency check is required. Read 61.57(c) and (d) for the exact rules.
Who can give an IPC?
An IPC may be given by an FAA-designated examiner, a check pilot or an authorized instrument instructor (CFII), among others. Jacob is a CFII.
Does an IPC replace a flight review?
They are separate requirements with separate endorsements. If you need both, ask about scheduling them together.

Airplane rental & avionics

Rent the airplane from Megahertz Sky Hub

Flight instruction is $70 per hour, separate from airplane rental. I teach as an independent CFI, and I work with Megahertz Sky Hub, the shop at KBFL that rents airplanes and also offers avionics services. Their rental fleet at Meadows Field (KBFL) includes a Cessna 172N (N6316D) and a Piper Cherokee PA-28-140 (N500KC), and their website currently lists rental at $172 per hour wet (fuel included). Rates and availability change, so confirm directly with the shop before you book.

Visit Megahertz Sky Hub

Megahertz Sky Hub 1949 Airport Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 393-1818
(661) 703-1266
mhzskyhub.com

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Tell me your goals and where you are in your training, and I'll reply to set up your first lesson.

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