By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI
A flight review is a periodic evaluation of a pilot’s aeronautical knowledge and basic flying skills. To operate safely in the National Airspace System, the FAA requires certificated pilots to be assessed a minimum of every 24 calendar months.
Let’s dive into the basics of the flight review and some tips for both the pilot and the instructor.
When and why is a flight review required?
FAR 61.56 states:
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (f) of this section, a flight review consists of a minimum of 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training. The review must include:
(1) A review of the current general operating and flight rules of part 91 of this chapter; and
(2) A review of those maneuvers and procedures that, at the discretion of the person giving the review, are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate the safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate.
The regulation goes on to state that the pilot’s logbook must be endorsed by an authorized instructor certifying that the person has successfully completed the flight review.
A flight review is a time set aside to review your aeronautical knowledge, evaluate your flying skills, get updated on any new regulations, and design a plan with your CFI to improve your proficiency. Overall, the FAA requires flight reviews to keep pilot updated on operating practices, making them safer pilots.
Note: You may hear other pilots refer to it as a BFR, or biennial flight review. The regulation has dropped the word “biennial” from the regulation, so now it’s just called a flight review. One reason for this is to encourage pilots to schedule a flight review in less than 24 calendar months should their proficiency degrade, and they would like to start flying again.
What does a pilot do on a flight review?
The FAA regulation states that a flight review must have a minimum of one hour of ground review and one hour of flight. There are not any details pertaining to what maneuvers, take-offs, or landings must be satisfactorily completed. It’s left up to the discretion of the CFI what materials are covered. However, a good instructor will collaborate with the pilot to make a plan of action that would best suit the pilot’s proficiency and mission. It’s a great opportunity to customize your learning session!
A flight review doesn’t have to be completed in one day, and it’s not a pass/fail event like a checkride. If the CFI feels like you need more study or flying, another lesson is simply scheduled. If you’re a rusty pilot, a good rule of thumb is to estimate an hour of ground time and an hour of flight time for every year you’ve been away from flying.
Flight Review Tips for Pilots
Start early. Don’t wait until a few weeks before you’re out of currency to schedule with a CFI. Go on a couple of flights to brush up on your precision and landing accuracy. Book the flight review at least a month before it’s due in case you need to reschedule for weather or maintenance delays.
Prepare in advance. Many pilots become complacent through the years and arrive to their flight review “flying by the seat of their pants.” Since the flight review is a required evaluation with a CFI, make the most of this incredible learning opportunity. Think about some specific areas you need to work on. Choose a couple of new learning exercises to make it fun!
Review aeronautical knowledge. A great way to prepare for a flight review is to complete the FAA Flight Review Preparation Course. This free course is available through the WINGS program at www.faasafety.gov. If it’s been many years since you’ve been involved in flying, consider completing a full online ground school.
Think outside of the box. A flight review is the perfect time to focus on specialized skills. AOPA offers several “Focused Flight Review” profiles that you can discuss with your CFI as a plan of action. Some of the profiles offered are: Positive Aircraft Control, IFR Proficiency, and Mountain & Backcountry Flying.
Flight Review Tips for CFIs
1) Contact the pilot ahead of time to gather basic information such as: What aircraft do you usually fly? How many hours a month do you log? Are you flying more cross-country or local flights? Do you normally fly VFR or IFR? Is there something specific you’d like to focus on, such as fundamental maneuvers, emergencies, or backcountry flying?
2) Manage the pilot’s expectations. After finding out some of their background, offer an initial estimate of the expected time to complete the flight review. Do this before meeting at the airport.
3) Give assignments. Ask the pilot to review Part 91 and relevant portions of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). A good exercise is to assign the flight review preparation course offered by the FAA. Also, ask the pilot to arrive with a cross-country assignment. If the pilot typically flies locally for fun, working through a cross-country planning exercise will help knock some of the rust off many fundamental skills.
4) Are you new to giving flight reviews? The FAA published a document called Conducting an Effective Flight Review. This is a perfect step-by-step guideline and includes an appendix full of worksheets to utilize with your client. Advisory Circular AC 61-98B Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check is another good resource.
5) Don’t feel pressured to spend the minimum amount of time on a flight review because the client wants to walk out immediately with an endorsement. Remember the purpose is to evaluate whether the pilot demonstrates “safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate.”
6) Encourage your clients to participate in the WINGS pilot proficiency program. Ground study and courses are accomplished online at home, and flights are conducted with the CFI and signed off in the FAA Safety portal. Even of the pilot isn’t flying regularly, the WINGS program is an excellent way to stay proficient in knowledge areas.
Are there any exemptions to doing a flight review?
Yes! If you have passed a practical test (checkride) for a pilot certificate or rating within the last 24 calendar months, you don’t have to complete a flight review. For example, if your flight review is due on 5/31/25, but you pass your IFR checkride on 12/31/24, your next flight review will be due 12/31/26. It’s like the clock starting over. This also applies if you become a flight instructor or pass a checkride for an additional rating on a flight instructor certificate.
An excellent alternative to the flight review which is allowed by the FAA is to participate in the pilot proficiency (WINGS) program. If a pilot completes one or more WINGS phases in the prior 24 calendar months, a flight review is not required.
Conclusion
Whether you’re the pilot needing a flight review, or an instructor administering one, use this opportunity to challenge yourself and make the review meaningful and fun. Try not to mindlessly go through the motions covering basic skills and knowledge. Get creative and experiment into some new areas of aviation.
Learning to fly is a life-long journey of continuously learning and improving. The process of learning never ends. Try not to look at the flight review as a chore that must be checked off, but the chance to better yourself as an aviator.
By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI
Northstar Aviation References brings you the Pre-Tabbed ASA FAR/AIM, DIY tabs for your FAR/AIM and other pilot resources so that you can more easily study the regulations that form the foundation of your flying career or hobby. Have any questions? Check out our FAQs page or contact us. Check out other blog posts here.