What does a flight review require?
The rule is 14 CFR 61.56. To act as pilot in command, you need a flight review every 24 calendar months, unless something on the list below counts in its place.
What is in a flight review?
A minimum of 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training (61.56(a)). It must include:
- A review of the current general operating and flight rules of part 91.
- A review of the maneuvers and procedures the instructor decides you need to show that you can use your certificate safely.
The rule has no fixed list of maneuvers and no examiner. It ends with a logbook endorsement from the instructor who gave it, certifying that you completed it satisfactorily (61.56(c)(2)). The flight is in an aircraft you are rated for (61.56(c)(1)).
When is it due?
You may act as pilot in command only if you completed one since the beginning of the 24th calendar month before the month of the flight (61.56(c)). In practice it runs to the end of the month: a review finished on any day in March 2025 keeps you current through March 31, 2027.
What counts in place of a flight review?
Within the same 24 calendar months, any of these:
- A practical test or proficiency check for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege, with an examiner, an approved check airman, or a U.S. Armed Force (61.56(d)(1)).
- A practical test with an examiner for a flight instructor certificate or an added instructor rating, for instructor recent experience under 61.197(b)(1), or to reinstate instructor privileges (61.56(d)(2)).
- One or more phases of an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency program, such as the FAA WINGS program (61.56(e)).
A flight instructor who met the recent experience rules of 61.197, or reinstated privileges with a refresher course, still flies the hour but skips the ground hour (61.56(f)). A student pilot in training with a current solo endorsement needs no flight review (61.56(g)).
I have not flown in years. What then?
The hours in 61.56 are a minimum, and the instructor decides which maneuvers you need to show. After a long break, plan for more than 2 hours. The review can be combined with the recent flight experience requirements of 61.57, at the instructor's discretion (61.56(h)), so one session can also bring your takeoffs and landings current.
How do I get one?
I give the flight review for $275 flat, and the fee includes the ground portion. The aircraft is extra: a Cessna 172 or Piper Archer, paid to Countrywide Flyers at the club rate.
Book a training-plan consult