Pilot recency refers to the requirements and regulations that pilots must meet to maintain their currency and proficiency in operating aircraft. These recency requirements are set by regulatory authorities such as Transport Canada. The purpose of pilot recency regulations is to ensure that pilots remain skilled, knowledgeable, and capable of safely operating aircraft. Pilot recency typically encompasses the following areas:
Pilots must accumulate a certain amount of flight time within a specified period to maintain their recency. This includes a minimum number of flight hours, usually measured within the last 90 days or 6 months, depending on the specific regulations. The requirements may differ for different types of aircraft, such as single-engine or multi-engine airplanes, helicopters, or specific ratings.
Recency regulations often stipulate that pilots must have performed a minimum number of takeoffs and landings within a specific timeframe. This ensures that pilots maintain proficiency in critical phases of flight, including approaches and landings.
For pilots who hold an instrument rating, recency requirements include recent experience in flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). This involves maintaining a minimum number of instrument approaches, holding procedures, and navigation tasks within a specified period.
Pilots are also required to undergo recurrent training and proficiency checks to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. This may involve simulator sessions, flight reviews, or instrument proficiency checks, depending on the regulatory requirements and the pilot’s certifications.
As a pilot in Canada, certain requirements must be met every six months, two years and five years in order to maintain recency. Recurrent training ensures your skills are, at minimum, what they were when you earned your certificate or rating.
The Canadian Aviation Regulations outlines the requirements for staying current. However, staying current doesn’t always mean that you’re staying proficient as a pilot. By staying proficient, you’re keeping your overall knowledge and skills up to date. Ask yourself the following questions When was the last time you practiced a forced approach, stall or full-flap overshoot? When did you work on your cross-wind land technique? When did you last fly with an instructor? How prepared are you if a real emergency happens?