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Does my Instrument Rating ever truly expire, even if it’s been over 2 years since my last approach? Or just an IPC is necessary?

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Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor, Instrument Rating

I'm a CFI/CFII and Commercial Multi-Engine pilot. But I'm neither current nor proficient, and I'm confused on some regs. 

I shot my last approach on March 21st, 2021. It was my Comm Multi-Engine add-on checkride, which I passed. Date of issue: 21st March 2021, and of course it was a single-engine approach in a Seminole, to pass the ride.

That was the last approach I shot, and today is February 6th, 2023. Obviously I am long past my grace period for IFR currency, so I know that I need an IPC for sure. But is there a time limit in which your Instrument rating can actually expire, and you would need to retake your Instrument rating checkride or CFII ride with a DPE? Or will an IPC always suffice to renew your Instrument rating?
Will a successful IPC make me fully Instrument current?

Thank you in advance!

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1 Answers

  1. Best Answer


    John D Collins on Feb 07, 2023

    Your instructor certificate has an expiration date on it and you need to renew it every two years. Your pilot certificate with instrument rating does not have an expiration date and you will need to meet the currency requirements to fly IFR by completing an IPC.

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