FAR 61.56 Explained: The Flight Review (BFR) — Requirements, Myths, and What You Really Need to Know

FAR 61.56 Explained: The Flight Review (BFR) — Requirements, Myths, and What You Really Need to Know

What Is FAR 61.56? (In Plain English)

By Lewis Turnell, CFI

FAR 61.56 governs the flight review—formerly called the Biennial Flight Review (BFR). Despite the old name still being used casually, the regulation does not require a review every two years on a calendar basis, nor does it prescribe a specific number of flight hours.

Instead, FAR 61.56 establishes minimum legal requirements a pilot must meet to act as pilot in command (PIC).

When Do You Need a Flight Review?

Under FAR 61.56(c), you must have completed a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months to act as PIC—unless you qualify for an exception.

Key points:

  • It’s 24 calendar months, not “every two years to the day”

  • The month counts, not the exact date

  • Example: A flight review completed on March 15, 2024 is valid through March 31, 2026

What Does a Flight Review Actually Require?

This is where many pilots misunderstand the regulation.

The Legal Minimum

FAR 61.56 requires:

  • At least 1 hour of ground training

  • At least 1 hour of flight training

  • Given by an authorized instructor

  • Logged with a proper endorsement

That’s it.

What It Does Not Require

  • ❌ A checkride

  • ❌ A pass/fail outcome

  • ❌ Any specific maneuvers

  • ❌ Any minimum total flight time

The content is flexible and tailored to:

  • Your certificate and ratings

  • Your recent experience

  • The aircraft you fly

  • Areas where you need improvement

Who Can Give a Flight Review?

A flight review may be conducted by:

  • A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

  • A Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) (if appropriate)

  • A Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

The instructor must be authorized to instruct in the aircraft category and class used for the review.

What Usually Happens During a Flight Review?

While FAR 61.56 doesn’t mandate specific maneuvers, most flight reviews include:

Ground Portion

  • FAR updates and regulatory changes

  • Airspace and weather knowledge

  • Risk management and ADM

  • Accident trends and common errors

Flight Portion

  • Normal, short-field, and soft-field operations

  • Basic airwork (slow flight, stalls)

  • Traffic patterns and landings

  • Emergency procedures

Think of it as a proficiency tune-up, not an exam.

Common Flight Review Myths (Debunked)

Myth #1: You Automatically Fail If You Fly Poorly

False. There is no “failure” under FAR 61.56.
If proficiency is lacking, the instructor simply continues training until standards are met.

Myth #2: You Must Complete It in One Day

False. A flight review can occur over multiple flights or ground sessions.

Myth #3: It Must Take Exactly Two Hours

False. The regulation states “at least” one hour ground and one hour flight. It may take more.

Myth #4: A Flight Review Is Required Even After a Checkride

False.

Passing any of the following resets the 24-month clock:

  • Practical test for a certificate or rating

  • Proficiency check

  • Pilot proficiency program (such as WINGS)

What Can Substitute for a Flight Review?

Under FAR 61.56(e), you do not need a flight review if, within the preceding 24 calendar months, you have completed:

  • A practical test (checkride)

  • A pilot proficiency check

  • A phase of the FAA WINGS Program

This is a popular option for pilots who want structured proficiency training instead of a traditional review.

What Examiners and CFIs Care About

While FAR 61.56 is flexible, instructors typically focus on:

  • Decision-making, not just stick-and-rudder skills

  • Understanding regulatory responsibilities

  • Safe aircraft operation and risk management

  • Honest self-assessment

Examiners like to see pilots who understand that the flight review is about maintaining safety—not checking a box.

How This Applies to Student Pilots

Student pilots do not need a flight review because they are not acting as PIC. However, understanding FAR 61.56 early:

  • Helps with oral exam questions

  • Builds long-term regulatory awareness

  • Prevents confusion once certificated

Many students first encounter FAR 61.56 during checkride preparation, making this regulation a frequent oral exam topic.

Final Takeaway

FAR 61.56 exists to ensure pilots stay current, proficient, and safe—not to create a high-stress testing environment. The flight review is one of the most misunderstood FAA requirements, largely because of outdated terminology and hangar-talk myths.

If you understand:

  • When it’s required

  • What it legally demands

  • What actually resets the clock

You’ll approach your flight review with confidence instead of anxiety.

By Lewis Turnell, CFI

Learning regulations like these doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

At NorthstarVFR.com, we offer trusted, highly rated study resources designed specifically for student pilots and checkride applicants. From our Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM to focused study tools for Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI training, our products help you understand FAA regulations the way examiners expect you to know them—clearly, efficiently, and with confidence. When it comes to mastering the FARs, NorthstarVFR helps you study smarter, not harder.

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