Instrument currency explained (66 HIT, the 6-month rule)

Short answer: to act as PIC under IFR or in weather below VFR minimums, 14 CFR 61.57(c) (official current text) requires that within the preceding 6 calendar months you have performed and logged, in actual or simulated instrument conditions:

• 6 instrument approaches
• Holding procedures and tasks
• Intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems

Pilots remember it as "66 HIT": 6 approaches in 6 months, plus Holding, Intercepting, and Tracking.

Where you can do it

The tasks may be performed in an aircraft (in actual instrument conditions, or simulated conditions with a view-limiting device and a safety pilot), or in a full flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device, under the conditions in 61.57(c).

If you use a safety pilot, 14 CFR 91.109(c) requires that they hold at least a private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft, and that the aircraft has a dual control system.

What happens when you lapse

• Months 1 to 6 after your last qualifying activity: you are current. Fly IFR normally.
• Months 7 to 12 (the grace period): you are NOT current and may not act as PIC under IFR, but you can regain currency yourself, in VMC with a safety pilot, or in a simulator/ATD, by completing the 66 HIT items.
• Past 12 months: you need an instrument proficiency check (IPC) with a CFII, examiner, or other authorized person (14 CFR 61.57(d)). You cannot regain currency on your own after this point.

Logging it correctly

14 CFR 61.51(g) governs logging instrument time. For each approach you log the location and type of approach (61.51(g)(3)), and a safety pilot's name when one is required. An approach generally counts when flown in actual conditions, or in simulated conditions to the point where a landing could be made or a missed approach is initiated.

How KármánLogs tracks this for you

KármánLogs counts your approaches, holds, and dates automatically and shows exactly when your currency expires, no spreadsheet math. Logging an approach takes a tap, because the runway you flew is already on screen: see add an approach quickly.

This guide is educational and summarizes the regulations as of the date above. Always verify against the current 14 CFR text before a checkride or when in doubt.

Still need help? Email support@karmanlogs.com.