IFR Currency

[comanchepilot]

As a pilot with an IFR rating, it is my understanding that after the first 12 months of having the rating, that you are subject to currency provisions of 6 approaches and 6 hours of instrument time within 6 months to exercise the privileges of the rating.

My question is, can you, in the 13th month, file IFR in VMC and conduct 6 approaches to minima and fly for 6 hours to regain currency? Do you need a safety pilot on board the aircraft for this, or can it be done solo? Because, if you were to do this same thing in the 11th month, you would not need a safety pilot (correct?)

At this point, it is probably easier to do a renewal ride and get another two years than fly the 6 hours, however I was just wondering how others go about this...

[Aeros]

My question is, can you, in the 13th month, file IFR in VMC and conduct 6 approaches to minima and fly for 6 hours to regain currency?

If you are in the 13th month and haven't met the currency requirements you cannot file IFR. In this case, you would have two options. Blast off VFR and get the time that way or find someone else to be the PIC and file IFR (assuming that they other person does have the qualifications/currency to file IFR)

[Grey_Wolf]

At this point, it is probably easier to do a renewal ride and get another two years than fly the 6 hours, however I was just wondering how others go about this...

Having the foresight of knowing that you need the dreaded "666"; on the GA side, the easiest way to maintain currrency is to fly for 1-2 every other month (or month to month, pending on your financial situation) and do 2-3 approaches. Team up with a "Safety Pilot" that has their rating(s) as well. This way you can have an extra set of eyes and hands to help; and half way through, land and switch PIC, so you both can get current. Plus you could split the cost. At the end of the year, all said and done, you shouldn't need to worry about currency provisions. As for working in a CAR 700's Ops, you normally flying IMC/IFR on a regular basis, so currency provisions are met fairly easily.