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Old 14th Jul 2019, 12:20
  #274 (permalink)  
SASless
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Downeast
Age: 75
Posts: 18,290
Received 516 Likes on 215 Posts
Currency and proficiency unfortunately are not up to the pilots but the companies or individuals that employ us.
I would assess a 90% correct rating to that statement without any hesitation.

But....we also get too thank the FAA/CAA etc....for allowing a Six Month interval between Check Rides where instant currency and proficiency are asserted as if by waving a Magic Wand.

I might accept the "proficient" part....but certainly not "currency".

Most places you get a practice ride then the actual check ride....unless it is thought you have done well enough on the practice such that the Check Airman calls "it" the Check Ride.

Some of our most perishable skills are the most expensive to maintain if you do perform those tasks as part of your standard work.

One company graciously allowed us to take a few minutes extra to perform practice Instrument Approaches while taking the aircraft to the airport for refueling.....single pilot in VFR weather.

That certainly did not equate to doing it for real on a very dark, stormy night in southwest Texas as you were returning with a critical patient in the cabin and getting short of fuel because of unplanned delays and un-forecast head winds.

Instrument flight currency is best done.....in Instrument Conditions....real or simulated (Simulators).
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