Logging Instrument Approaches
A practical interpretation of FAA InFO 15012 and what actually qualifies as a loggable instrument approach.
Pilots often assume logging an instrument approach is straightforward: fly the procedure, log the approach. In reality, the FAA defines it much more narrowly. This becomes critical when maintaining instrument currency.
Why This Matters
Under 14 CFR §61.57(c), an instrument-rated pilot must log:
- 6 instrument approaches within 6 months
The requirement itself is simple. The ambiguity is in what actually qualifies as one of those approaches.
The Core Rule
An approach is only loggable if it is flown:
solely by reference to instruments
This applies whether you are in:
- Actual IMC
- Simulated IMC (with a view-limiting device)
- A simulator or training device
You cannot log an IAP if you are not logging simulated or actual instrument time.
Segment Completion Is Required
To qualify, you need to fly:
- 1). Full Approach
- Be established on the approach from an IAF or feeder route
- Fly the required segments
- Continue to minimums (MDA or DA/DH)
or
- 2). Vectored to Final
- Being vectored to the final approach course
- Pass the FAF
- Continue to minimums (MDA or DA/DH)
Weather Condition Requirements
The FAA does not require the ceiling to be at MDA or DA/DH during a flight in IMC.
That being said, during your descent from the FAF, you may visually continue to land or execute the missed approach procedure. In either case, you may log the IAP.
What Is Not Required
The missed approach segment is not required to log an approach. However, from a proficiency standpoint, it is strongly encouraged.
Q & A
Q: I don't want to fly the whole approach, and my local ATC is often too busy to accept my request. Can someone simulate radar vectors for me?
- A: Yes. A safety pilot, authorized flight instructor, or designee may simulate ATC radar vectoring.
Q: My CFI simulated radar vectors to final for an ILS approach. Upon reaching DA, he asked me to go around for safety. May I log the IAP?
- A: Yes, you may log it (InFO 15012, footnote 6).
Q: When I was flying IFR in IMC, I just passed the FAF and then resumed VFR conditions. Can I still log the IAP?
- A: Yes.
Key
Logging an approach is not defined by:
- Clearance
- Starting point of the procedure
- Intent to fly it
It is defined by:
how the approach is actually flown