Commercial Pilot for Airplane Category › I. Preflight Preparation › Task A. Pilot Qualifications

CA.I.A.R1

Risk management

Proficiency versus currency.

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Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

14 CFR Part 61 — Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors Open
14 CFR § 61.58 Pilot-in-command proficiency check: Operation of an aircraft that requires more than one pilot flight crewmember or is turbojet-powered.
Pilot-in-command proficiency check: Operation of an aircraft that requires more than one pilot flight crewmember or is turbojet-powered. (i) The applicant's record must include the statement, “Proficiency in circling approaches not demonstrated”; and (ii) The applicant ... command when weather conditions are less than the basic VFR conditions described in § 91.155 of this chapter, until proficiency in circling approaches has been successfully demonstrated in a flight simulator qualified and approved for circling approaches or in an aircraft…
14 CFR Part 91 — General Operating and Flight Rules Open
14 CFR § 91.1069 Flight crew: Instrument proficiency check requirements.
Flight crew: Instrument proficiency check requirements. The instrument approach procedure or procedures must include at least one straight-in approach, one circling approach, and one missed approach. Each type of approach procedure demonstrated must be conducted to published minimums ... that procedure. (d) The instrument proficiency checks required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section consists of either an oral or written equipment test (or a combination) and a flight check under simulated or actual IFR conditions. The equipment…
Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check p. 2-1
CHAPTER 2. REDUCING GENERAL AVIATION ACCIDENTS › 2.1 General Aviation (GA) Accidents › 2.1.2 Pilot Proficiency
Pilot Proficiency. Studies have shown that LOC usually occurs when pilots lack proficiency. Conditions exceeding personal skill limitations can present themselves at any time and can occur unexpectedly. In this event, the pilot should be able to avoid being startled ... make appropriate decisions in a timely manner, and be able to exercise skills at a proficiency level the pilot may not have maintained or attained since acquired during initial training. This makes personal currency programs and proficiency training essential. Personal…