(c) Instrument experience. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this
section, no person may act as pilot in command under IFR or in weather
conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR, unless within the
preceding 6 calendar months, that person has:
(1) For the purpose of obtaining instrument experience in an aircraft
(other than a glider), performed and logged under actual or simulated
instrument conditions, either in flight in the appropriate category of
aircraft for the instrument privileges sought or in a flight simulator or
flight training device that is representative of the aircraft category for
the instrument privileges sought--
(i) At least six instrument approaches;
(ii) Holding procedures; and
(iii) Intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigation
systems.
(2) For the purpose of obtaining instrument experience in a glider,
performed and logged under actual or simulated instrument conditions--
(i) At least 3 hours of instrument time in flight, of which 1 1/2  hours
may be acquired in an airplane or a glider if no passengers are to be
carried; or
(ii) 3 hours of instrument time in flight in a glider if a passenger is to
be carried.
(d) Instrument proficiency check. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of
this section, a person who does not meet the instrument experience
requirements of paragraph (c) of this section within the prescribed time, or
within 6 calendar months after the prescribed time, may not serve as pilot in
command under IFR or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed
for VFR until that person passes an instrument proficiency check consisting
of a representative number of tasks required by the instrument rating
practical test.
(1) The instrument proficiency check must be--
(i) In an aircraft that is appropriate to the aircraft category;
(ii) For other than a glider, in a flight simulator or flight training
device that is representative of the aircraft category; or
(iii) For a glider, in a single-engine airplane or a glider.
(2) The instrument proficiency check must be given by--
(i) An examiner;
(ii) A person authorized by the U.S. Armed Forces to conduct instrument
flight tests, provided the person being tested is a member of the U.S. Armed
Forces;
(iii) A company check pilot who is authorized to conduct instrument flight
tests under part 121, 125, or 135 of this chapter, and provided that both the
check pilot and the pilot being tested are employees of that operator;
(iv) An authorized flight instructor; or
(v) A person approved by the Administrator to conduct instrument practical
tests.
(e) Exceptions. (1) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to
a pilot in command who is employed by a certificate holder under part 125 and
engaged in a flight operation for that certificate holder if the pilot is in
compliance with Secs. 125.281 and 125.285 of this chapter.
(2) This section does not apply to a pilot in command who is employed by an
air carrier certificated under part 121 or 135 and is engaged in a flight
operation under part 91, 121, or 135 for that air carrier if the pilot is in
compliance with Secs. 121.437 and 121.439, or Secs. 135.243 and 135.247 of
this chapter, as appropriate.