Postflight Procedures
Closing out the flight
Cancel IFR with ATC in the air or with flight service after landing, and close any VFR flight plan; an unclosed IFR plan can trigger search-and-rescue. After shutdown, review the flight honestly: what the clearance actually said, what you read back, and where the approach degraded.
Logging and currency
Log instrument time (actual or simulated) and each approach flown. Currency under 61.57(c) needs six approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking within the six calendar months preceding the flight. Record the date, approach, and conditions, and remember that a VOR check, an altimeter/static test, and a transponder test each carry their own log entry.
Discrepancies and reports
If equipment fails, 91.213 governs: use the MEL if the aircraft has one, or deactivate, placard, and record the item, provided it is not required by the equipment list or the regulations. File a PIREP (UA/UUA) whenever conditions differ from forecast: tops, bases, icing, turbulence, visibility, winds. File it while airborne, not after landing.
Traps
Currency approaches must be flown in the same category and class, and some may be accomplished in an approved training device. Hood time with a safety pilot counts as instrument time for the pilot under the hood, not for the safety pilot. Also verify chart and database currency for the next flight before you put the airplane away.
Worked example: your last instrument time was four months ago and you have four approaches logged since. You are not current and need the remaining approaches, a hold, and intercepting/tracking, or an instrument proficiency check.