How AC 61-98D Enhances Pilot Training & Compliance | What is AC 61-98D

How does AC 61-98D impact Pilot Certification?

If you are looking to get updated guidance on flight reviews and instrument proficiency checks (IPCs), then you must check out AC 61-98D which is published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This advisory circular aims to enhance pilot proficiency and safety without changing the fundamental regulations. It’s essential for pilots and flight instructors to understand these updates to ensure full compliance and improve their training programs. 

Flight Reviews

Flight reviews every 24 months have become routine for pilots to fulfill a currency requirement. The Federal Aviation Administration introduced AC 61-98D on April 30, 2018 to address this issue and to reduce accidents. The purpose of this advisory circular is not to alter the regulation or the minimum training required per FAR 61.56, but rather to provide guidance on the areas on which pilots and flight instructors must focus on during the flight review. 

According to the FAA, the primary cause of General Aviation (GA) fatalities between 2001 and 2010 was Loss of Control (LOC). This problem occurs when a pilot fails to maintain or regain control of the airplane, resulting in fatal accidents. 

Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs)

Instrument Proficiency Checks are outlined in 14 CFR Part 61, § 61.57 and are important to maintain the pilot skills that are necessary to operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). IPCs require the pilots to show proficiency in instrument approaches, holding procedures and tracking courses using navigational aids. AC 61-98D provides complete details and guidance on how to structure IPCs to ensure a full comprehensive evaluation of a pilot’s instrument skills.

Furthermore, the advisory circular suggests a dual approach that combines knowledge and practical skill scenarios and assessments. It also includes reviewing recent flight experience and conducting practical tests to verify that a pilot can handle different instrument conditions. Pilots must maintain proficiency for safety, especially in challenging weather conditions where instrument flight is necessary. 

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 

AC 61-98D clarifies how pilots and instructors can comply with specific sections of the CFR particularly 14 CFR Part 61, §§ 61.56 and 61.57. These regulations set the minimum standards for flight reviews and Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs), but the AC recommends that pilots exceed these minimum requirements to ensure higher safety and proficiency levels. 

It is important to understand and adhere to these regulations for certification and ongoing compliance. AC 61-98D reinforces the importance of regular training and proficiency checks to meet and surpass regulatory requirements, ultimately promoting safer aviation practices.

What Are the Major Areas Pilots Can Improve During Flight Reviews?

According to FAA analysis, LOC will mostly happen to rusty pilots who lack proficiency. It doesn’t mean that accidents will not happen on a clear and calm day; they mostly happen when things do not go according to plan. So, here are the biggest areas in which a pilot must work on: 

Traffic Pattern Operations

Pilots should first stress the importance of departing in coordinated flight at the most suitable rate of climb speed (Vy) for small single-engine aircraft. Maintaining the rate of climb speed to a safe altitude ensures a better chance of returning to the airport in an emergency. 

If you are flying a light twin-piston aircraft, then the correct departure speeds must be emphasized. Furthermore, the instructors must review the best angle climb speed (Vx) for obstacle clearance and short-field takeoffs to highlight the risks of climbing out at improper speeds. It's important for instructors to train pilots of single-engine airplanes not to return to the field after an engine failure unless they meet glide and altitude requirements for safe return. 

A pilot must practice this maneuver at a safe altitude to avoid accelerated stalls. They must also know the altitude loss in a 180-degree turn for the aircraft model they are flying. Before taking off, a pilot should calculate the altitude required for a safe turnback, considering wind effects on the preferred turn direction.

Unstabilized Approaches

Flight instructors must train pilots to execute a go-around if they can’t maintain a stabilized approach. A stabilized approach involves maintaining the correct glide path, typically 3 degrees to the runway touchdown zone. The airplane should track the runway centerline with minimal heading or pitch changes, not exceed a 15-degree bank angle, and maintain a constant target airspeed within +10/-5 knots of the recommended landing speed.  

The airplane must have the correct landing configuration and a descent rate of no more than 500 fpm, which must be reduced before it reaches 300 feet AGL. The power setting should be appropriate for the aircraft configuration and all briefings and checklists must be completed before the approach. 

Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) 

Flying in IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) can be quite challenging and requires proficiency. Vertigo and spatial disorientation are the two most common things in IMC, which often leads to LOC, especially for non-instrument-rated or rusty instrument-rated pilots. 

To reduce LOC risk, it's essential to make an effective preflight plan and maintain pilot proficiency. Instrument-rated pilots must prioritize workload management, use SRM or CRM to avoid distractions and maintain situational awareness to prevent LOC during IMC operations. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, AC 61-98D plays a crucial role in enhancing pilot certification by providing updated guidance on flight reviews and Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs). This advisory circular emphasizes the importance of regular proficiency checks and training to improve pilot skills and safety without altering existing regulations. 

By focusing on areas such as traffic pattern operations, unstabilized approaches, and instrument meteorological conditions, pilots can significantly reduce the risk of Loss of Control (LOC) and other accidents. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that pilots maintain high standards of proficiency, ultimately promoting safer aviation practices.