IR.I.A.K1FAA-S-ACS-8C · Nov 2023Knowledge

Certification requirements, recency of experience, and recordkeeping.

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Certification requirements, recency of experience, and recordkeeping.

Bottom line

You must document and record the training and aeronautical experience used to meet the requirements for a certificate, rating, or flight review. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of 14 CFR 61.57, a person who has failed to meet the instrument experience requirements for more than six calendar months may reestablish instrument currency only by completing an instrument proficiency check.

Key numbers

Key numbers for Certification requirements, recency of experience, and recordkeeping.
NumberWhat it means
maximum 30 hours in a full flight simulator or flight training device if completed under part 142Sim instrument credit

FAA references

  1. 14 CFR 61.51 (Pilot logbooks.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  2. 14 CFR 61.57 (Recent flight experience: Pilot in command.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  3. 14 CFR 61.65 (Instrument rating requirements.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  4. RMH ch. 2 (p. 2-1) — FAA-H-8083-2A
  5. AFH ch. 2 (p. 2-2) — FAA-H-8083-3C
Members lesson

Build understanding you can use

Unlock the full lesson and continue studying this element.

  • Full teaching sections: What it is; Key points; Rules and numbers; How it is done
  • Check your understanding with answers you can reveal
  • Common mistakes paired with the FAA facts that correct them
View membership options