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5 Answers

DME Arcs on IPC

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FAA Regulations, Instrument Rating

Is a DME arc required to be performed for an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)?  I know it is not required on the instrument rating checkride per the ACS, but does that also apply to an IPC?

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5 Answers



  1. Russ Roslewski on Jul 19, 2020

    The individual tasks for an IPC refer directly to the tasks for the checkride. Area V, task A is the one which includes DME arcs, and offers them as one option to complete that task. But by the text of the task, they are not required, neither for a checkride nor an IPC – though they may be included if desired.

    Also, the task is “Intercepting and Tracking Navigational Systems and Arcs” – so by conducting an approach, or even just going direct to an airport, or any other “tracking” thing you’re going to do anyway, that task is complete already.

    Additionally, DME arcs, if tested, must be charted ones – part of a procedure. The instructor/examiner can’t just make them up during a checkride or IPC. Page A-15 of the ACS, at the bottom.

    That said, DME arcs are such a rarely used skill in real instrument flying in most of the U.S., that I do not bother to test on them during an IPC. I’d rather spend my and the applicant’s time evaluating skills they’re actually going to use. I can’t imagine failing someone on an IPC because they didn’t do a DME arc well enough.

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  2. Craig on Jul 19, 2020

    A DME arc is NOT required by the FAA regs (see FAR 61.57(d) below)….if it’s required by whoever is evaluating you during IPC may be another story….

    AC61.98 and the instrument ACS page A12 also give guidance on what maneuvers should be evaluated during an IPC.

    The instrument ACS page A12 lists the following for an IPC…

    VI. Instrument Approach Procedures
    A. Nonprecision Approach
    B. Precision Approach
    C. Missed Approach
    D. Circling Approach
    E. Landing from an Instrument Approach

    FAR 61.57(d)

    (d) Instrument proficiency check. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, a person who has failed to meet the instrument experience requirements of paragraph (c) of this section for more than six calendar months may reestablish instrument currency only by completing an instrument proficiency check. The instrument proficiency check must consist of at least the following areas of operation:

    (i) Air traffic control clearances and procedures;

    (ii) Flight by reference to instruments;

    (iii) Navigation systems;

    (iv) Instrument approach procedures;

    (v) Emergency operations; and

    (vi) Postflight procedures.

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  3. Mark Kolber on Jul 20, 2020

    An IPC consists of a limited group of instrument ACS tasks. So, to put it very simply, there is no task which is required on an IPC but is not required on a checkride,

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  4. Russ Roslewski on Jul 20, 2020

    Craig, while I agree that a DME arc is not required, your list of IPC items is incomplete, and I wasn’t sure if that was intentional or not.

    The list in the ACS on page A-12 also shows area III, task B (holding), area IV, task B (unusual attitudes), and some others.

    The DME arcs are contained under Area V, task A, which is an IPC task, though that task gives the option of DME arcs.

    Mark, well put, in fewer words than me.

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  5. Craig on Jul 20, 2020

    Thought I included it, but I guess I forgot. Thanks Russ.

    IR.V.A.S6 Apply proper correction to maintain a course, allowing no more than ¾-scale deflection of the CDI. If a DME arc is selected, maintain that arc ±1 nautical mile.

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