📘14 CFR §61.56 — Flight Review
✏️ Plain-English Summary:
To act as PIC, you must complete a flight review every 24 calendar months. It’s basically a check-up on your flying and decision-making skills — but it's not a test. The review includes at least 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground, covering Part 91 rules and maneuvers relevant to your certificate.
You can also satisfy a flight review by completing certain checkrides or proficiency checks.
✅ Key Takeaways for PPL:
✅ Required every 24 calendar months to act as Pilot in Command
✅ Includes at least 1 hour ground + 1 hour flight
✅ Must be conducted by an authorized instructor (CFI)
✅ Must include:
A review of Part 91 operating rules
Maneuvers & procedures that demonstrate safe PIC operation
✅ Must be logged with an endorsement in your logbook
✅ Passing a checkride for a new certificate or rating resets your flight review clock
❌ You can’t fail a flight review — the instructor just won’t endorse you if you’re not safe/legal yet
✈️ Scenario:
You passed your Private Pilot checkride on April 12, 2023. You haven’t flown much since. When do you need a flight review to keep flying PIC? ✅ You’re good until April 30, 2025 (24 calendar months). If you reach May 1, 2025, without one — ❌ you’re no longer legal to act as PIC.
🎓 CFI Teaching Tip:
Students often confuse a flight review with a checkride. Make it clear:
"There’s no pass/fail. It's not a test — it's a review to make sure you're safe to fly."
Also, emphasize the importance of currency vs. proficiency. You might be current legally, but if you haven’t flown in 8 months... are you safe?
Bonus tip: show them how a checkride, new rating, or even a WINGS program course can count toward satisfying §61.56.
📚 References:
FAR: 14 CFR §61.56
AIM 4-3-25: Flight Reviews
AC 61-98D: Currency Requirements & WINGS Program Info
📺 Extra Help:
🎥 Pilot Institute: What Is a Flight Review and How to Prepare
📰 Boldmethod: Everything You Need to Know About the Flight Review
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