On Mon, 17 Oct 2005 14:30:27 -0700, Sylvain wrote:

Until recently I was convinced that only a CFII could
conduct an instrument proficiency check (as opposed
to a plain CFI), but now I am confused:


Now, the problem is that I haven't found where in the
regulations it is specified that a CFII must conduct
the instrument proficiency check (which is *not* training
for the issuance of an instrument rating that the student
already has); 14 CFR 61.57(d) says training has to be
provided by an 'authorized instructor' (in addition to
examiners etc.) -- is this what I am missing? that
would be an odd use of the term 'authorized instructor'
as compared to other places in the regs.

Now I probably missed something obvious, but can a
CFI (not II) provide the training and endorse someone's
instrument proficiency check? (and if not where is it
said in the regs?)

I can't find that statement specifically in the regs, although in John
Lynch's FAQ's regarding Part 61, he does state clearly "The flight
instructor who administers the Instrument Proficiency Check of § 61.57(d)
must hold a CFII-Airplane rating and as per § 61.195(c), the flight
instructor must ". . . hold an instrument rating on his or her flight
instructor certificate and pilot certificate that is appropriate to the
category and class of aircraft in which instrument training is being
provided."

Of course, John Lynch has been wrong in certain of his pronouncements; but
this one has been in there for a few years without argument, so far as I
know.

He also writes, in another question, almost identical to yours:

====================================

QUESTION: Is it true that a CFI giving an endorsement for an Instrument
Proficiency Check must have an instrument rating (CFII) on his/her flight
instructor certificate? I can't seem to find anything in the current Part
61 that states that an Instrument Proficiency Check endorsement requires a
CFII. The § 61.57(d)(2)(iv) requires an "authorized instructor". The
definition of "authorized instructor" now seems to come from § 61.193
(Flight Instructor Privileges) and § 61.195 (Flight Instructor
Limitations). The only reference to a requirement for a CFII that I can
find is in § 61.195(c).

ANSWER: Ref. § 61.57(d)(2)(iv) and § 61.193; A flight instructor who
performs an instrument proficiency check, as required by § 61.57(d), must
hold the appropriate instrument rating for the category and class of
aircraft that the instrument proficiency check is being conducted in. As
per § 61.193, it states in pertinent part, ". . . A person who holds a
flight instructor certificate is authorized within the limitations of that
person's flight instructor certificate and ratings to give training and
endorsements that are required for, and relate to:
* * * * *
(f) An instrument rating;

A flight instructor who does not hold an instrument rating on their flight
instructor certificate that is appropriate to the category and class of
aircraft that the instrument proficiency check is being conducted in is not
authorized to conduct the instrument proficiency check.

The term "authorized instructor" was intentionally used in § 61.57(d)
because authorization to conduct an instrument proficiency check is not
limited to a CFII. A Ground Instructor Certificate - Instrument Rating is
also an "authorized instructor" and is authorized to give the instrument
proficiency check in an approved flight training device. Also, a Part 142
training center instructor, who may or may not hold any certificate or
ratings, can be an "authorized instructor" who may give the instrument
proficiency check that is performed under an approved Part 142 training
program in an approved flight simulator, in accordance with a Part 142
approved training program. Another example, a pilot who holds a Letter of
Operational Authority (LOOA) may give the endorsements for the instrument
proficiency check to a holder of a Letter of Authorization (LOA).) Holders
of an LOOA give training for the endorsement for the Letter of
Authorization (LOA) allowing a pilot to act as pilot in command in surplus
military turbine or piston powered airplane, in accordance with FAA Order
8700.1, Chapter 32. However, in this case, the holder's Letter of
Operational Authority (LOOA) must specifically state this authority to give
the endorsements for the instrument proficiency check. And so the
rulemaking team that drafted the new Part 61 decided on merely stating . .
.. An authorized flight instructor . . ." But notice in § 61.57(d)(2)(v),
we also included ". . . A person approved by the Administrator to conduct
instrument practical tests."
{Q&A-315}
=====================================


Note: I am not trying to do something silly, but
I am in the process of studying the regs in details
and I like to understand the fine points.

Good luck. That is one of the known methods of driving yourself crazy!

Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)