Instrument Checkride Endorsements vs IPC Endorsement
Diego Suarez
Instrument checkride endorsements and an IPC endorsement answer different questions. A checkride endorsement supports an applicant seeking an instrument rating practical test. An IPC endorsement documents completion of an instrument proficiency check for a pilot returning to instrument currency.
In Simply Endorsed CFI, the instrument rating checkride path is A.42, A.43, and A.44, with A.1 sometimes reviewed as supporting context. The IPC completion path is A.71 under the additional/recurrent category. Mixing those paths can create a bad logbook record even when the pilot did fly instrument training.
Relevant endorsements
Instrument rating knowledge test
Shows the applicant completed the required ground training or review and is ready for the instrument rating knowledge test.
Instrument flight proficiency/practical test
Documents required instrument training and readiness for the instrument practical test.
Instrument practical-test prerequisites
Combines recent practical-test preparation with review of knowledge-test deficiencies for the instrument practical test.
IPC completion
Documents satisfactory completion of an instrument proficiency check under the recurrent instrument currency path.
Quick comparison
| Situation | Use this path | Main Simply Endorsed entries |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant is taking an instrument rating knowledge test | Instrument rating knowledge-test endorsement | A.42 |
| Applicant is preparing for an instrument rating practical test | Instrument checkride endorsement bundle | A.43, A.44, A.1 context |
| Pilot is restoring instrument proficiency after currency lapse | IPC completion endorsement | A.71 |
Common mistakes
- Using an IPC completion endorsement as if it recommended an applicant for an instrument checkride.
- Using an instrument practical-test endorsement for a pilot who only needed recurrent instrument proficiency.
- Missing that A.44 already combines recent preparation and knowledge-test deficiency review for instrument practical tests.
- Forgetting to verify whether the signer must be a CFII for the instrument task involved.
Reference aid only. Verify the pilot's instrument rating status, currency status, training record, signer authority, current regulations, and current FAA guidance before signing.
Open the instrument endorsement paths
Use Simply Endorsed CFI to compare instrument checkride endorsements with the IPC completion endorsement in the searchable AC 61-65K library.