IFR currency, 6-6-HIT dates.

The rule behind 6-6-HIT

14 CFR 61.57(c) allows a pilot in command to fly under IFR or in weather below VFR minimums only if, "within the 6 calendar months preceding the month of the flight", the pilot performed and logged at least: six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses using navigational electronic systems. Pilots call this 6-6-HIT (six approaches, six months, holding, intercepting and tracking). Items must be in an aircraft for the rating privileges to be maintained, under actual or simulated conditions with a view-limiting device, or in a full flight simulator, flight training device or aviation training device that represents the category, in simulated instrument conditions. Any mix is permitted.

The three date windows

• Current: through the end of the 6th calendar month after the month you completed all three items.
• Lapsed up to 6 more months: you may not file or fly IFR yet, but 61.57(d) only forces an instrument proficiency check when you "failed to meet the instrument experience requirements ... for more than six calendar months". Until then the 61.57(c) tasks restore currency.
• Instrument proficiency check required: after the end of the 12th month after the last completion.

Worked example

You finished all three on March 10, 2026. Current through September 30, 2026. A flight on October 5, 2026 is outside the window but inside the six-month grace window, which ends March 31, 2027. After that date, only an instrument proficiency check re-establishes currency.

Who may give an instrument proficiency check

An examiner, an authorized U.S. Armed Forces examiner for a member of the military, a company check pilot in some part 121, 125 or 135 settings, an authorized instructor, or a person approved by the FAA to conduct instrument practical tests (61.57(d)(3)). It is flown in an aircraft or, for other than a glider, a simulator or training device; the areas come from the instrument rating Airman Certification Standards.

Limits

Glider instrument currency is different (61.57(c)(3)). Operators flying under parts 121, 125 or 135 follow their own rules (61.57(e)).

FAQ

What is IFR currency under 61.57?

Six approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses, within the 6 calendar months before the month of the flight.

Do simulators count?

Yes, a full flight simulator, flight training device or aviation training device of the right category counts if the tasks are done in simulated instrument conditions.

What happens after six months?

You are not current. You can restore currency by performing the tasks again until you have failed to meet the requirements for more than six calendar months.

When is an instrument proficiency check required?

After more than six calendar months of lapsed currency, meaning after the end of the 12th month in this calculator.

Does an IPC reset the six-month clock?

An instrument proficiency check re-establishes instrument currency under 61.57(d).

Is 6-6-HIT the official name?

No. It is pilot shorthand. The regulation names the tasks without the nickname.

Sources

Retrieved 2026-11-02. Statute and regulation text read through the eCFR API (current as of 2026-10-29) or the publisher URLs below.

• 14 CFR 61.57, Recent flight experience: Pilot in command: 90-day takeoff and landing rules (a), (b); instrument experience (c), (d).