The purpose of the flight review required by 14 CFR part 61, § 61.56 is to provide for a regular evaluation of pilot skills and aeronautical knowledge. Consequently, a flight review is a routine evaluation of a pilot’s ability to conduct safe flight. In effect, it is a proficiency-based exercise in which the airman is required to demonstrate the safe exercise of the privileges of their pilot certificate. The flight instructor should be aware that the flight review is not a practical test, but rather a training event in which proficiency is evaluated. Section 61.56 states that the review must consist of a minimum of 1 hour of ground training and a minimum of 1 hour of flight training, except as provided for in § 61.56(b), (d), and (e). However, all flight instructors should fully understand that § 61.56(a)(2) requires the instructor to conduct “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.” If the pilot does not demonstrate the proficiency to conduct safe flight, then more training is required. For this reason, the FAA reminds flight instructors that a flight review may require more than 1 hour of ground training and 1 hour of flight training. Since satisfactory completion of a flight review is based on pilot proficiency, it is up to the instructional service provider to determine what type of instruction is required and how much additional training time, if any, is required to ensure that the pilot has the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct safe flight operations. While flight instructors are encouraged to manage the expectations of the pilot under review and discuss the outline of the flight review with the pilot, it is the flight instructor that ultimately determines the total training time required for a flight review.

For the reasons previously discussed, a flight instructor should not develop a flight review plan of action based on regulatory minimums. Instead, a flight instructor should develop a plan based on achieving a flight proficiency and knowledge level that meets regulatory requirements. Section 61.56 states that a flight review must include a review of the current general operating and flight rules of 14 CFR part 91. It also states that a person conducting the review has the discretion to determine the maneuvers and procedures necessary for the pilot under review to demonstrate “safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate.” With the increasing complexity of the aviation operating environment, flight instructors are encouraged to structure the flight review and develop a plan of action that is specific to the needs of the pilot under review. The FAA has provided the following recommended guidance in this paragraph to help flight instructors develop a plan of action for an effective flight review.

Under § 61.56(c) no person may act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft, except as provided in § 61.56(d), (e), and (g), unless within the preceding 24 calendar months that person has accomplished a satisfactory flight review in an aircraft for which that pilot is appropriately rated. An authorized instructor or other person approved by the Administrator must conduct the flight review.

Under § 61.56(e), a person who has satisfactorily completed one or more phases of the FAA-sponsored WINGS within the preceding 24 calendar months does not need to accomplish the flight review requirements of the section. AC 61-91, WINGS—Pilot Proficiency Program, describes how flight instructors should encourage pilots to participate in WINGS.

Pilots and flight instructors should be aware that, under § 61.56(d), there is no requirement for pilots who have completed certain proficiency checks and ratings within the preceding 24 calendar months to accomplish a separate flight review. These accomplishments include satisfactory completion of pilot proficiency checks conducted by the FAA, an approved pilot check airman, a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), or one of the U.S. Armed Forces for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege.

However, the FAA recommends that pilots consider also accomplishing a review under some of the following circumstances. For example, a pilot with an Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) rating may have recently obtained a glider rating, but may still wish to consider obtaining a flight review in a single-engine airplane if the appropriate 24-calendar-month period has nearly expired. When approached by pilots seeking advice on such matters, flight instructors should consider the factors described in the following paragraphs.

Before undertaking the review, the flight instructor should interview the pilot to determine the nature of their flying and operating requirements. Elements to consider should include, but not be limited to, the following areas:

Section 61.56(c)(1) states that to act as a PIC, a pilot must accomplish a flight review in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated. A pilot might hold multiple ratings. In such cases, the pilot may take a flight review in any one of the aircraft for which the pilot holds a rating or operating privilege, and they will have met the regulatory requirement for all aircraft for which the pilot holds a certificate and/or rating. For example, a pilot who holds a private pilot certificate with an ASEL class rating and a commercial pilot certificate with lighter-than-air category and balloon class ratings may take a flight review in either aircraft and will have still met the flight review requirements of the rule for both aircraft. However, a pilot may not take a flight review in an aircraft for which they do not hold a rating or operating privilege. For example, that same ASEL-rated pilot may not take a flight review in a Multiengine Land (MEL) airplane if the pilot does not hold an MEL airplane class rating. A pilot who holds only a sport pilot certificate may only take a flight review in a light-sport aircraft for which the pilot holds an operational privilege. For example, a sport pilot who holds airplane privileges could not take the flight review in a Cessna 172, because that airplane is not a light-sport airplane and the pilot does not hold operating privileges for that airplane.

The reviewed maneuvers and procedures will vary depending on the category, class, and make and model (M/M) of the aircraft used. For example, a review in a light multiengine aircraft will be different from one conducted in a small, two-seat tailwheel aircraft that utilizes limited instrumentation. The flight instructor may wish to recommend that the pilot complete the review in the aircraft most commonly flown, or in a more complex M/M if the pilot regularly flies several aircraft. The flight instructor may also wish to recommend that the pilot take a review in more than one category/class of aircraft under certain circumstances. For example, a pilot with ASEL and glider ratings may have flown only gliders in the last 2 years but is also contemplating flying single-engine airplanes soon. If a pilot who requests a review only in the glider approaches a flight instructor, the flight instructor may wish to recommend an additional review by a qualified person in a single-engine airplane before the pilot acts as PIC of a single-engine airplane.

he flight instructor should consider the type of flying usually done by the pilot before establishing a plan of action for conducting the review. For example, a pilot conducting long-distance flights between busy terminal areas may need a different review than a pilot who usually flies in the local area from the same airport. The flight instructor should consider the need for an indepth review of certain subjects or procedures if the type of flight operations is likely to change, or if other extenuating circumstances exist. For example, a pilot who normally conducts only local flight operations may plan to begin flying to a location with Class B Airspace. Another pilot may only operate a two-seat aircraft without a radio but will operate in close proximity to Class B Airspace. In both cases, the flight instructor should include Class B Airspace operating requirements and procedures in the flight review. This review should also include pertinent revisions to operational regulations to ensure that the pilot has full knowledge of these changes.

The flight instructor should review the pilot’s logbook to determine total flight time, time in type, and recency of experience in order to evaluate the need for particular maneuvers and procedures in the review. For example, a pilot who has not flown in several years may require an extensive review of basic maneuvers from the PTS or ACS appropriate to that pilot’s certificate level. The same pilot may also require a more extensive review of part 91, including changes in airspace and other requirements. Another pilot who is transitioning to a newer, faster, or technically advanced aircraft (TAA) should receive more emphasis on knowledge of aircraft systems and performance, or in cross-country procedures appropriate to a faster airplane. Regardless of flight experience, the flight instructor should ensure that the review plan of action includes all areas in which the flight instructor determines the pilot should receive training in order to operate safely. In some cases, the flight instructor may wish to recommend that the pilot accomplish a complete refresher program.

After completing the above analysis, the flight instructor should review these considerations with the pilot and reach an understanding regarding how the flight instructor will conduct the review. The flight instructor should also review the criteria for satisfactory completion of the review with the pilot. The flight instructor may wish to provide the pilot with reading materials or recommend publications for study before conducting the flight review. For example, the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) provides many free online “Wings Courses for Pilots,” which includes a free online flight review preparation course ALC-25, Flight Review Prep Guide. You can find this course at https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_cat alog.aspx.

Instructors should also consider their own experience and qualifications in a given M/M aircraft prior to giving a review in that model. The flight instructor conducting a flight review must hold a category, class, and (if appropriate) type rating on their pilot certificate. Also, the instructor must have a category and class rating on their flight instructor certificate or a category and class flight instructor privilege in their logbook appropriate to the aircraft in which they will conduct the review. To conduct a flight review in a multiengine airplane, the instructor must hold an airplane multiengine rating on their pilot and flight instructor certificates. For aircraft in which the flight instructor is not current or with which that instructor is not familiar, the instructor should obtain recent flight experience or sufficient knowledge of aircraft limitations, characteristics, and performance before conducting the review. In any case, the flight instructor must observe the rating limitations of § 61.195.

The FAA recommends that flight instructors consider the information in this chapter and Appendices D through F of this AC to prepare, conduct, and document the flight review. After reaching an agreement on how the flight instructor will conduct the review, the flight instructor should prepare a plan of action for completing the review. The plan of action should include a list of regulatory subjects that the flight instructor will cover, the maneuvers and procedures that the pilot will need to accomplish, the anticipated sequence in which the segments will occur, and the location where the flight instructor will perform the review. You can find a suggested flight review plan of action format in Appendix D. Although not required by § 61.189, the flight instructor may wish to retain this plan of action (job aid) for an appropriate period as a record of the scope and content of the flight review. Additionally, the flight instructor may wish to submit an FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, to the Airmen Certification Branch. When submitted, the Airmen Certification Branch will add the application to the pilot’s record (see paragraph 1.10.2).

The flight instructor should tailor the review of general operating and flight rules to the needs of the pilot under review. The objective is to ensure that the pilot can comply with all regulatory requirements and operate safely in various types of airspace under an appropriate range of weather conditions. As a result, the flight instructor should conduct a review that is broad enough to meet this objective yet provide a more comprehensive review in those areas in which the pilot’s knowledge is weaker. In the latter instance, the flight instructor may wish to employ a variety of references/sources, such as the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), to ensure that the pilot’s knowledge meets current standards.

The occurrence of incidents and PDs has emphasized the need to ensure that all pilots receive adequate briefing on PD avoidance awareness. PDs are broadly categorized as airborne or ground. Airborne PDs include altitude and heading deviations and airspace violations. Ground PDs include runway incursions and any other unauthorized operation in the movement areas of an airport (see paragraph 2.3 for more information). Pilots should be familiar with all types of airspace, ground operating procedures, and best practices to avoid potential PDs. The flight review may be the only regular proficiency and recurrency training experienced by some pilots. Therefore, flight instructors should place appropriate emphasis on this part of the review.

Occurrences of incidents and accidents due to a pilot’s lack of proficiency with aircraft automation have emphasized the need to ensure that all pilots are fully competent with the automated systems equipped in the aircraft flown. Automation competency is the pilot’s ability to understand and operate a given aircraft’s automated systems. The flight instructor should consider the type of automation the pilot regularly uses before establishing the plan of action for conducting the pilot’s flight review. When conducting the check in an aircraft with automation, the instructor should evaluate the pilot’s automation competency. Pilots transitioning to TAA should receive specialized transition training from a qualified flight instructor with experience with the specific equipment used.

The FAA, along with the General Aviation Joint Safety Committee (GAJSC), is promoting AOA systems as one of the many safety initiatives aimed at reducing the General Aviation (GA) accident rate. AOA indicators will specifically target loss of control (LOC) accidents. LOC is the number one root cause of fatalities in GA. More than 25 percent of GA fatal accidents occur during the maneuvering phase of flight. Of those accidents, half involve stall/spin scenarios. Technology such as AOA indicators can have a tremendous impact on reversing this trend and are increasingly affordable for GA airplanes. During the flight review, if the airplane is equipped with an AOA indicator, the flight instructor should evaluate its use and correct interpretation of cues gained by referencing the AOA indicator by the pilot receiving the flight review. If the airplane is not equipped with an AOA indicator, the flight instructor should emphasize the importance of this item and evaluate the pilot’s general knowledge of aerodynamic principles relating to AOA.

The maneuvers and procedures covered during the review are those that, in the opinion of the flight instructor conducting the review, are necessary for the pilot to perform to demonstrate that they can safely exercise the privileges of their pilot certificate. Accordingly, the flight instructor should evaluate the pilot’s skills and knowledge to the extent necessary to ensure that the pilot can safely operate within regulatory requirements throughout a wide range of conditions. The flight instructor should always include abnormal and emergency procedures applicable to the aircraft flown in the flight review. For a satisfactory flight review, the pilot should be able to perform all maneuvers in accordance with the ACS or PTS, as applicable, for the pilot certificate that they hold. Therefore, the FAA encourages the use of ACS/PTS during flight reviews.

The flight instructor may wish to prepare a preliminary plan of action for the flight review based on an interview or other assessment of the pilot’s qualifications and skills. See Appendix D for suggested interview questions. Appendix D provides a sample flight instructor’s flight review checklist. The flight instructor should outline a sequence of maneuvers to the pilot taking the review. For example, this may include a cross-country flight to another airport with maneuvers accomplished while en route. It could also include a period of simulated instrument flight time. The flight instructor should request that the pilot conduct whatever preflight preparation is necessary to complete the planned flight. This preparation should include all items required in part 91, § 91.103, such as checking weather, calculating required runway lengths, calculating Weight and Balance (W&B), completing a flight log, filing a flight plan, and conducting the preflight inspection.

Before beginning the flight portion of the review, the flight instructor should discuss various operational areas with the pilot. This oral review should include, but not be limited to, areas such as aircraft systems, speeds, performance, meteorological and other hazards (e.g., wind shear and wake turbulence), operations in controlled airspace, and abnormal and emergency procedures. The emphasis during this discussion should be on practical knowledge of recommended procedures and regulatory requirements.

Regardless of the pilot’s experience, the flight instructor should review at least those maneuvers considered critical to safe flight, such as:

Based on the flight instructor’s in-flight assessment of the pilot’s skills, the flight instructor may wish to add other maneuvers from the PTS/ACS appropriate to the pilot’s grade of certificate. Appendix D includes a recommended job aid (flight review checklist), including a list of suggested maneuvers. The FAA does not intend this list to be all-inclusive, nor does it limit a flight instructor’s discretion in selecting other appropriate maneuvers and procedures. To the greatest possible extent, the flight instructor should organize and sequence the selected maneuvers in a realistic scenario appropriate to the kind of flying normally done by the pilot.

The role of the flight instructor during the review is to provide an evaluation. However, the instructor is not limited to this role and may provide specific instruction to an airman on any areas the instructor notes as being weak. This additional instruction does not preclude the pilot’s successful completion of the review as long as the deficiencies are corrected. If the additional instruction does not correct the deficiencies, and/or it becomes apparent to the instructor that additional flights will be necessary, the flight instructor should discuss the situation with the pilot and proceed accordingly.

Upon completion of the review, the flight instructor should complete the summary and evaluation portion of the flight review checklist (if used) and debrief the pilot. Whether or not the review was satisfactory, the flight instructor should provide the pilot with a comprehensive analysis of their performance, including suggestions for improving any weak areas. FAA-H-8083-9, Aviation Instructor’s Handbook, Chapter 5, The Teaching Process, provides specific suggestions for conducting the postflight evaluation discussion as a “collaborative critique.”

The FAA does not intend for the flight review to be a practical test. If the review is not satisfactory, the flight instructor should log the flight as “dual instruction given” and not as a “failure.” If the pilot does not perform well enough for the flight instructor to endorse the pilot for satisfactory completion of the flight review, the instructor should use the applicable ACS or PTS as the objective standard to discuss areas needing improvement, as well as areas where the pilot performed well. In this case, the flight instructor should offer a practical course of action—ground training, flight training, or both—to help the pilot under review to return to proficiency standards. The flight instructor should then recommend additional training in the areas of the review that were unsatisfactory. A pilot who does not receive an endorsement for a satisfactory flight review may continue to exercise the privileges of their certificate, provided that a period of 24 calendar months has not elapsed since the pilot completed at least one of the requirements that satisfies the flight review event as specified in § 61.56. However, a pilot may not act as PIC of an aircraft if that pilot’s flight review has elapsed.

When the applicant has successfully completed the review, the flight instructor should endorse the pilot’s logbook to certify that the pilot has satisfactorily accomplished the flight review. The flight instructor should make the endorsement for a satisfactory review in accordance with AC 61-65, Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors. The flight and ground time must also be logged in the pilot’s logbook in accordance with § 61.51(a)(1).