Instrument Currency

[midlifeflyer]

I'm pretty sure nosehair is correct. Beyond training for "instrument training" requirements for a certifciate or rating (not just "flight training on the control and maneuvering of an airplane solely by reference to instruments" - the difference between the two goes back to at least a 1979 FAA Legal opinion), it would be hard to point to a specific regulation.

But after looking at a whole bunch of rules and official opinions, I came up with this (maybe incorrect) paradigm of instrument training:

If an instructor =is not= required by an FAR that talks about instrument training, instrument instruction or instrument currency, any CFI can give the instruction.

If an instructor =is= required by an FAR that talks about instrument training or instrument instruction or instrument currency, a CFII is required.

 

[lawfly]

The flight schools I have interacted with in the past have interpreted the "authorized instructor" requirement to mean a CFII or, if an approved FTD/sim, an IGI (for IFR currency).
On a related note, 61.57(d), Instrument Proficiency Check, also requires "an authorized instructor". 61.57(d)(2)(iv). Advisory Circular 61-98A, dated 1991 but still active on the FAA website, elaborates :
If the IPC is given in a single-engine airplane, the instructor should be a CFII. If the IPC is given in a multi-engine airplane, the instructor should be a CFII who is also an MEI. AC61-98A, Chap. 3, Par. 7a (page 9).
Just quoting this particular AC.