Start with the logbook
Review cross-country PIC time, instrument experience, knowledge-test preparation, and any currency goals before building the next sequence of lessons.
An Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) is required when an instrument-rated pilot's currency has lapsed — specifically, when they cannot demonstrate having met the recency requirements of FAR 61.57(c) within the preceding 6 calendar months. An IPC must be conducted by a CFII and covers all instrument skill areas.
At Accelerated Flight School, the IPC is conducted by our CFII instructors, at Van Nuys Airport. KVNY's ILS, VOR, and RNAV approaches make it an excellent location for a thorough IPC that tests real approach skills, not just simulated procedures. The IPC covers approach procedures, holding, tracking, partial panel, unusual attitude recovery, and IFR regulations.
The IPC at Accelerated Flight School is a genuine proficiency check — not a rubber stamp. If your instrument skills are not where they need to be for safe IFR flight, your CFII will provide the additional training needed before endorsing currency restoration. Safety and genuine proficiency are the objectives.
Preparing for the Tasks an IPC Evaluates
An instrument proficiency check is more structured than a flight review: it follows the instrument ACS task list, so you know in advance what will be evaluated. Expect to fly intercepting and tracking courses, holding, a precision and a non-precision approach, a missed approach, a circling approach, and recovery from unusual attitudes, much of it including a period of partial-panel work.
A little preparation makes the check go smoothly. Reviewing approach plate symbology, your aircraft's avionics flow, and current IFR regulations before you arrive lets the flight time focus on flying rather than relearning procedures. If your currency lapsed a long time ago, plan for some refresher flying ahead of the formal check.
Van Nuys is a strong place to do it, with ILS, VOR, and RNAV approaches and live ATC to brief and fly against. The check is conducted by a CFII in the fleet's aircraft starting at $155/hr wet plus $35/hr instruction, and most IPCs run two to four hours total. Call or text 424-493-2761 to schedule yours.
A Deliberate Instrument Training Plan
Instrument students at our Van Nuys flight school need more than time under a hood. Accelerated Flight School helps pilots turn their current experience into an organized IFR plan, with each dual instruction session connected to the instrument FAA/ACS tasks.
Practice the complete workflow
Lessons can combine clearance review, avionics setup, holds, approaches, missed approaches, and a useful debrief—not isolated button pushing.
Build checkride readiness
The instructor uses mock oral and flight scenarios to identify weak tasks before recommending the instrument rating checkride.
IFR Context at Van Nuys Airport
Training from Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) puts Los Angeles pilots in the Los Angeles ATC environment. Real radio work, route planning, and approach briefings help make an instrument certificate/rating practical beyond the checkride.
Checkride coordination is planned early
As checkride readiness approaches, the school plans examiner coordination early and targets a checkride within 1–2 weeks after training is complete when examiner schedules, weather, and eligibility allow. This is a planning target, not a guarantee: independent DPE availability and checkride outcomes remain outside the school's control.
Why Train at Van Nuys Airport (KVNY)?
Van Nuys Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States — and one of the best environments to earn a pilot certificate.
Active Controlled Airport
KVNY has a live tower, ILS approaches, and year-round high-traffic conditions. You learn real-world radio communication from lesson one.
Real Los Angeles Airspace
Training here means working with Burbank Class C, LA Class B, and diverse terminal area procedures — preparation for flying anywhere in the country.
Consistent Training Weather
The San Fernando Valley's inland location provides consistent VFR training conditions, particularly compared to coastal marine-layer airports.
Cross-Country Route Variety
From KVNY you can fly cross-country to Santa Barbara, Camarillo, Bakersfield, Big Bear, Brackett, Long Beach, and beyond — building real navigation skills.
General Aviation Focused
No commercial airline traffic competing for runway time. KVNY is a dedicated GA airport built around pilots like you.
Checkride Access
FAA Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) are available in the Van Nuys area for all certificates and ratings.
Training Programs at Accelerated Flight School
From your first discovery flight through your commercial certificate and flight instructor rating — all based at Van Nuys Airport.
How We Approach Your Training
Accelerated Flight School is built around a straightforward principle: efficient, structured training that respects your time, your money, and your goals.
ACS-Based from Day One
Every lesson objective maps directly to the FAA's Airman Certification Standards — the exact document your checkride examiner will use. No filler flights.
Checkride-Focused Preparation
You are never wondering when you will be ready. Your instructor tracks your progress against checkride standards and gives you a clear picture at every stage.
Instructor Accountability
Your instructor debriefs every flight with specific observations. What you did well, what needs work, and exactly what your next lesson will address.
Pay-As-You-Fly
No large training loans required. No large prepaid blocks. You schedule and pay per lesson, keeping your investment proportional to your progress at all times.
Student-First Instruction
No runaround, no scripted upsell sequences, no inflated hours. Our instructors teach because they believe in the mission of aviation training done right.
No Pressure on Pace
Train twice a week or twice a month — your schedule, your pace. The instruction quality does not change based on how fast you progress through the program.