To ensure that pilots remain proficient and safe in the skies, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates a flight review for all certificated pilots. In this article, we’ll delve into when you need to carry out a review, what you can expect, and how to prepare for it effectively.
The (Biennial) Flight review
First of all, you’ll notice within the blog post I’ve omitted the word ‘Biennial’. Although the flight review is still commonly known as a biennial flight review or BFR, the FAA has dropped the word themselves from their documentation. This is supposedly to encourage more pilots to get a flight review as and when they feel they might need it, rather than wait the 24 calendar month maximum requirement.
The Flight Review, as outlined in FAR 61.56, is a requirement for all pilots holding a pilot certificate to undergo a review of their flying skills and knowledge every 24 calendar months (Hence the former name ‘Biennial’). It consists of a minimum of 1 hour flight training and 1 hour ground and serves as a means to ensure that all pilots remain competent and up to date with the latest regulations and procedures, ultimately enhancing aviation safety.
When Do You Need A Flight Review?
A flight review within the preceding 24 month period is a requirement for any pilot to act as pilot in command. But FAR 61.56 goes on to state there are a couple of exceptions where the flight review can be substituted if other requirements are met. These include when a pilot has conducted a practical test for an additional pilot certificate, rating, or a renewal or reinstatement of a flight instructor certificate.
For example. If a Private Pilot certificate holder, who’s coming up to but not reached 24 months since their last review, passes their instrument rating the 24 month time period is reset from the date they passed.
What To Expect
Ground Instruction:
During the hour of ground instruction your CFI will go over rules and regulations that may have changed since your last review and also refresh your knowledge on things such as weather minimums, controlled airspace entry requirements, and emergency procedures. These will usually be limited to the certificate and ratings you hold so don’t expect multi-engine asymmetric flight if you only hold a private pilot certificate without an instrument rating.
Flight Instruction:
Although the hour of flight instruction isn’t a test, you’ll be expected to demonstrate safe operations at all times. If the CFI giving the flight review isn’t satisfied by this then he or she may not sign the endorsement stating your proficiency until you’ve completed further training.
Another point worth mentioning is that the FAA allows a flight review to be conducted in an approved flight simulator or training device as long as it meets certain requirements. If your flight school owns such simulator this can be a great way to save a bit of money as this is usually much cheaper than renting a plane for the hour.
During the flight you can expect to carry out a range of maneuvers that you might not have done since your last flight review or checkride. These could include recovery form stalls, steep turns, and soft & short field operations.
After The Flight:
After the flight portion of your CFI will debrief what went well, what could have been better, and what went badly. It’s important to remember that, in the FAA’s own words, the flight review isn’t a pass or fail and you’re not going to have your license revoked for being ‘rusty’. What will happen is that the CFI may recommend you do another flight going over the portion they didn’t deem satisfactory or an extra hours ground school if they didn’t think you was up to scratch there.
Once your CFI is happy and believes you’re safe to fly, they’ll sign your logbook with the endorsement stating that you have completed a flight review satisfying FAR 61.56.
Preparing For A Flight Review
A good pilot does their best to keep up to date with changes to rules and regulations all year round but can still occasionally miss something. In the weeks leading up to your flight review refresh yourself with parts of the FAR AIM and PHAK (Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge) and speak to other pilots about how their most recent flight review went.
For the flying portion, re-visit the pilots flying handbook and if you haven’t flown for a while don’t try to force any flights in beforehand. It’s okay if you haven’t flown for a while so use the opportunity during the flight review to knock off any rust in a safe manner with a CFI on board.
Conclusion
Ultimately every flight review conducted is likely to be different. Your CFI should tailor the flight review to suit needs specific to you. If you usually fly from grass strips out in the country its likely to include refreshers on class B airspace procedures. If you usually fly in and out of class B airspace then your flight review will likely involve soft or short field landing reviews. The FAA also issued advisory circular AC 61-98D, giving guidance on conducting flight reviews and instrument proficiency checks. By understanding what to expect during the review process and adequately preparing for it, pilots can approach their flight review relaxed and confident.
Disclaimer: Although extensive fact checking has been done to write this article sometimes rules and regulations can change and be misinterpreted. Always reference official FAA material for the most up to date and correct information.
