Lengthy absence from flying and IFR renewal

[arcticndn]

I have a buddy that has been away from aviation for 10+ years and has done no flying since. He's got an ATP with IFR (that is obviously not current). He wants to make a return possibly has a job offer. He asks "If a company requests me to renew my non current (10+ years) IFR prior to being hired, could that be an IPC done in a certified sim (eg. Redbird), or would it require a ride in an airplane (PPC)?" Bear in mind that if he's hired by a company, their training will give him a PPC which will re-validate everything anyways. Thanks!

[Big Pistons Forever]

IFR is non expiring now so you always have the rating. In this case the person does not meet the recency requirements so they can't exercise the privilege's of the rating. An IPC in a TC approved FTD will restore those privilege's.

I would suggest the bigger issue is how rusty he is. While training prior to an IPC is not required it would definitely be a good idea,