How to Maintain IFR Currency With a Simulator: A Cost-Effective Guide for 2026
Published by:
Todd O.
Published on:
Read time:
5 min read
For instrument-rated pilots, the six-month currency clock is a constant presence. The need to log those six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and course tracking can feel like a chore—especially when you factor in aircraft rental costs, finding a safety pilot, and Maryland’s unpredictable weather.
But what if there was a smarter, more efficient, and more affordable way to stay sharp and legal?
At Solid Ground Aviation, we help pilots in the Baltimore-Washington area master instrument flying by leveraging the power of our FAA-approved flight simulator. It’s the perfect tool for maintaining IFR currency without the traditional costs and hassles.
What Are the IFR Currency Requirements?
Under current FAA regulations (14 CFR § 61.57(c)), to act as pilot in command under IFR, a pilot must have performed and logged the following within the preceding six calendar months:
- Six instrument approaches.
- Holding procedures and tasks.
- Intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems.
If you don’t meet these requirements in six months, you have a six-month grace period to regain currency with a safety pilot. After 12 months, you must complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) with a CFII.
The Simulator Solution: A Smarter Way to Stay Current
The great news for pilots is that the FAA allows you to complete all of your instrument currency tasks in an approved Aviation Training Device (ATD), like our SG-1 simulator. This opens up a world of benefits.
1. Significant Cost Savings
Let’s be direct: flying is expensive. An hour in a rental aircraft can easily cost $180 or more. In contrast, an hour in our advanced simulator is a fraction of that price. You can complete all your required currency tasks for less than the cost of a single flight, saving hundreds of dollars over the course of a year. This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about enabling you to practice more for the same budget.
2. Unmatched Efficiency and Focus
A simulator session is pure, focused training. There’s no pre-flight, taxiing, or flying to a practice area. You can instantly position yourself for an approach, practice multiple holds in a row, and reset a scenario with the click of a button.
Want to fly the ILS 33 at Tipton (KFME) three times in a row in challenging crosswinds? No problem. Need to master a holding pattern entry you always struggle with? You can practice it ten times in thirty minutes. This level of repetition is impossible to achieve as efficiently in an actual aircraft.
3. Train for Scenarios, Not Just Minimums
Currency isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about confidence and proficiency. The simulator allows you to go beyond the minimums and practice challenging scenarios you hope to never face in the real world.
With an instructor, you can simulate:
- Engine failures in IMC.
- Partial panel approaches.
- Complex avionics failures.
- Icing encounters and other weather hazards.
Practicing these emergencies in a safe, controlled environment builds critical decision-making skills that translate directly to the cockpit. It’s the kind of training that makes you a safer, more competent instrument pilot.
4. Forget About Weather and Scheduling
How many times has a planned currency flight been canceled due to low ceilings, high winds, or thunderstorms? With the simulator, your training is never weathered out. You can book a session anytime—day or night, rain or shine—and be confident that your training will happen as planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an instructor to log currency time in the simulator?
No, you can log time in the simulator solo to maintain currency. However, training with an instructor is highly recommended to get the most out of your session and to practice emergency procedures.
What if I’m past my 6-month currency window?
If you are in the 6-month grace period, you can still use the simulator to get current, but you must do so with an instructor (acting as your safety pilot). If you are past 12 months, you’ll need an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC), which can also be completed efficiently in our simulator.
Is simulator time “as good as” airplane time?
Simulators and airplanes are complementary tools. The simulator is an unbeatable environment for procedural practice, repetition, and emergency training at a low cost. This makes the time you do spend in the aircraft more valuable, as you can focus on application and refinement rather than basic mechanics.
Get Current and Stay Proficient
Don’t let the currency clock add stress to your flying. Embrace the modern, cost-effective way to stay sharp, proficient, and safe.
Ready to see how our simulator can transform your instrument flying? Check out our Instrument Currency program and book a session today.