Flight Instruction Areas
High Performance Endorsements
Flight and ground instruction for pilots transitioning to high performance aircraft, as defined by 14 CFR § 61.31. Training covers powerplant operations, aircraft performance, and systems management, with instruction available in a Cirrus SR-22 or the pilot’s own aircraft.
Complex Endorsements
Training for complex aircraft endorsement in accordance with 14 CFR § 61.31(e), focused on the proper use and management of retractable gear, flaps, and constant-speed propellers. Instruction emphasizes systems knowledge, operational safety, and real-world application.
Additional Certificate & Rating Prep
Supplemental instruction for certificated pilots preparing for advanced certificates or ratings such as Commercial, Instrument, or CFI. Includes scenario-based training, systems review, and oral exam preparation.
Proficiency & Recurrent Training
Customized training for pilots aiming to maintain proficiency, satisfy insurance requirements, or return to flying after time away. Profiles are tailored to individual experience and operational goals.
Aircraft Transition Training
Training for certificated pilots transitioning into new aircraft types, including complex, high performance, and technically advanced aircraft. Instruction emphasizes safe handling, systems familiarization, and confidence-building in the new platform.
A Flight Review with Joe
Step 1: Pre-Flight Review Actions
- Schedule Your Flight Review
- Complete Aeronautical History Form
- Complete Part 91 Review Assignment
- Complete Cross-Country Flight Plan Assignment
Step 2: Ground Discussion (Appx. 1 Hour)
- Expectations Setting & Document Review
- Regulations Assignment Review
- Cross-Country Flight Plan Review
- Risk Management & Personal Minimums Review/Discussion
Step 3: Conducting the Flight (Approximately 1 to 1.5 Hours)
- Pre-flight
- Basic Maneuvers & Skills
- Systems Knowledge
- Aeronautical Decision Making & Emergencies
Step 4: Post Flight Discussion (Approximately 30 Minutes to 1 Hour)
- Replay, Reflect, Reconstruct, Redirect
- Questions
Step 5: Aeronautical Health Maintenance & Improvement Plan
- Update Your Personal Minimums
- Develop a Personal Proficiency Practice Plan
- Go Fly!
Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPC)
Maintaining instrument currency can get confusing, especially once you've passed your checkride and aren't searching through the FARs every day. Here's your guide to understanding instrument currency...
Instrument Currency Requirements
To act as the PIC under IFR or in weather conditions less than VFR, you must be instrument current. This applies to both solo flights or those with passengers. To maintain currency in airplanes, a pilot must have performed and logged the following tasks within the preceding 6 calendar months:
- Six instrument approaches.
- Holding procedures and tasks.
- Intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems.
Are You Current?
Today, it's October 19th, 2022. Your currency needs to happen within the preceding 6 calendar months, so you start counting back from September 2022, which takes you to the beginning of your currency period, April 2022. If between April 1st and October 19th you logged 6 instrument approaches, tracking and intercepting, and holding, you're instrument current.
You're Not Current... Now What?
If you haven't met currency requirements, you have another 6 calendar months to complete 6 approaches, tracking and intercepting, and holding before you'll have to complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC). We'll get to IPCs shortly. During this 6 month grace period, you cannot act as PIC under IFR or in conditions less than VFR. You do, however, have some easy options for regaining currency. Here are three of the best ways to do it:
IMPORTANT: Logged approaches are always cumulative. If flying 1 instrument approach creates a cumulative sum of 6 logged approaches in the past 6 calendar months, that's all you need to fly. You do not need to fly all 6 approaches during your grace period to regain currency if you've logged approaches in the past 6 months.
1) Fly With A Safety Pilot: To simulate instrument approach conditions, a pilot may wear a view-limiting device during VFR conditions. As the pilot seeking currency, you can now work towards logging the required amount of instrument approaches, tracking and intercepting, and holding. The safety pilot must possess a current medical certificate, occupy the other control seat, and be appropriately rated in the category and class aircraft flown [FAR 61.3(c), 61.51, 61.57(c), and 91.109].
While a safety pilot does not need to be instrument rated, it'd be beneficial to have one onboard. If you do this, you must write their name into your logbook entry referencing them as a safety pilot. Remember, this flight must be conducted under VFR conditions and cannot be on an IFR flight plan.
2) Fly With A CFI/CFII: A CFI can fly with you in actual or simulated conditions in order for you to regain currency. To fly in the clouds, they must be instrument current, otherwise the flight must be conducted under VFR. The only time the instructor must be a CFII is when logging dual received flight time towards an instrument rating under 14 CFR 61.65(d)(2).
3) Complete A Full IPC: Anytime you complete an Instrument Proficiency Check, you automatically become current for the next 6 calendar months. As you'll learn about below, the IPC requires fewer approaches than normal currency requirements, so it could be a great way to get things done quickly with an experienced instructor.
Your 6 Month Grace Period Is Over... Now What?
If your 6 calendar month grace period has expired and you're still not instrument current, you must complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC), which is very similar to an instrument checkride. You no longer have the option to go out and just fly with a safety pilot or CFI to log approaches, tracking and intercepting, and holding. The check may be conducted by an examiner, company check pilot, or CFII. You'll find these tasks on an IPC:
- Nonprecision Approach
- Precision Approach
- Missed Approach
- Circling Approach
- Partial Panel Approach
- Recovery From Unusual Attitudes
- Intercepting and Tracking
- Holding
The full list of requirements for conducting an IPC can be found in the current version of the FAA Instrument Rating ACS on page A-11 (2017).
An Instrument Proficiency Check with Joe
Step 1: Pre-IPC Actions
- Schedule Your IPC
- Complete Aeronautical History Form
- Complete Regulations Review Assignment
- Complete Cross-Country Flight Plan Assignment
Step 2: Preparation (Appx. 30 Minutes)
- Expectations Discussion & Document Review
- Regulations Assignment Review
- Cross-Country Flight Plan Review
Step 3: Ground Discussion (Appx. 1 Hour)
- Pre-flight
- Taxi, Takeoff, Departure
- En Route
- Arrival & Departure
- Missed Approach
Step 4: Flight Activities (Appx. 1.5 to 2 Hours)
- Aircraft Control by Reference to Instruments
- Systems & Procedures
- Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
- Stabilized Approaches & Landing
Step 5: Post Flight Discussion (Approximately 30 Minutes to 1 Hour)
- Replay, Reflect, Reconstruct, Redirect
- Questions
Step 6: Aeronautical Health Maintenance & Improvement Plan
- Update Your Personal Minimums
- Develop a Personal Proficiency Practice Plan
- Go Fly in the Clouds!