If you are still serving a function in that aircraft as a flight instructor, yes, i would log the approach. You are monitoring the approach just like you would if they were non-IR.

Yep. So long as we're talking legit instruction.

For reference, here is the FAA's opinion:

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/...0B.%20Levy.pdf

No doubt that it's legal. HOWEVER...if you are a low-time CFII be aware that watching students shoot approaches is NOT the same as doing it yourself. If you maintain currency that way but don't actually fly any approaches for a while you might be unpleasantly surprised when you do try to fly an approach in actual :eek:

Use a Frasca or PCATD to stay sharp.

No kidding on this one. I've been practicing approaches and partial panel stuff on the school's Frasca when I can. I took my instrument student into actual yesterday to show him what it was like and how to shoot approaches. I hadn't been in actual in about 2 months and the disorientation feeling really wanted to set in. He felt it too so it was a good lesson on trusting your instruments. All I can say is I was so glad that I had been practicing in the Frasca because it was amazing how quickly those skills fade.

Amen. There is a difference between "currency" (meeting the minimum requirements of the regulations) and "proficiency" (being competent for the mission) that is reflected in many reglations.

Being "night current" by doing 3 takeoffs and landings at night for the first time in 10 years in a 152 at your home airport make you "current" to carry passengers at night. It does not make you "proficient" to pile the wife and kids into a Saratoga for a night cross country from California to visit grandma in Kansas.

Log for currency. Fly for proficiency. Pray you never confuse the two.

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