What is the required instrument currency for an IFR flight after 6 months?

To maintain instrument currency for IFR flight, a pilot must complete six instrument approaches, along with holding procedures and intercepting and tracking courses through navigation systems, within the preceding six months. This skill set ensures that the pilot is proficient in handling aircraft solely by reference to instruments.

The option referring to "6 Hits with a safety pilot" aligns with the practice of achieving instrument currency while simulating instrument flying conditions. This method allows pilots to log their required instrument approaches and stay proficient in their instrument flying skills, even if not flying solo under IFR conditions.

In contrast, completing six approaches with an instructor is not a specific currency requirement for maintaining IFR privileges. The requirement does not stipulate that these approaches must be done with an instructor; thus, the option related to six hits with a safety pilot is more accurate in the context of instrument currency. The choices involving 12 months of instrument training and 3 hours of flight training do not accurately reflect the specific currency requirements outlined by the regulatory standards for instrument-rated pilots.