Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Practice Exam 2026 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your IFR Certification!

To log an ILS approach for instrument currency while operating in VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions), the use of a view-limiting device is crucial because it simulates the instrument conditions required for the approach. This device ensures that the pilot is sufficiently practicing their instrument flying skills, even in clearer weather. Additionally, having a safety pilot is necessary to comply with regulations, and their name must be logged as part of the record-keeping process.

This approach is essential because logging an ILS approach in VMC conditions without adhering to these requirements does not fulfill the intention of instrument currency training, which aims to ensure that pilots maintain their proficiency under simulated instrument conditions.

The other conditions mentioned do not meet the requirements for logging the approach. Remaining on an IFR flight plan is not necessary for logging an ILS approach in VMC; the flight can be conducted under visual flight rules as long as the appropriate conditions and regulations are followed. While conducting the approach at night may present additional challenges, it is not a requirement for logging the ILS in VMC. Clear weather at the airport of landing does not affect the ability to log the ILS approach, as the focus is on the proficiency demonstrated during the approach procedure under simulated conditions.