How to Prepare for a Flight Review

If you’re new to flight reviews or haven’t had one in a while, you may be unsure what to expect. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to go into your next review with confidence.

There are several ways to meet the requirements of a flight review. For certificated pilots, it’s important to be familiar with the process of staying current.

Aside from a few specific requirements, the guidelines for what must happen in a flight review are relatively loose. Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) § 61.56 states that a flight review must include one hour of flight training and one hour of ground training at a minimum. 

The ground review should cover general rules for operating under Part 91. The instructor giving the review will lead the discussion and ask questions to test your knowledge. They may also share relevant updates to local airspace or regulations that have changed since your last review.

The flight portion includes maneuvers and procedures necessary for safe flight. The actual flight maneuvers that will be included in the review are “at the discretion of the person giving the review.” 

The goal of both the ground and flight portion is to enhance safety. This is a time to bring your best performance but also a great time to practice under the guidance of a certificated instructor. If there’s something specific you’d like to review or practice, let your CFI know. They’ll likely be more than happy to include it in the plan of action.

For private and commercial pilots operating under Part 91 rules, flight reviews are required every 24 calendar months. The FAA recommends pilots complete flight reviews as needed and not wait until the deadline. 

If you aren’t flying or receiving instruction regularly, you may find your flying proficiency deteriorates over time. Opting to take more frequent flight reviews is a great way to maintain your skills and enhance safety.

One way to reset the deadline without actually taking a flight review is to complete a practical test. Passing a check ride for a new rating or certificate meets the requirements of a flight review, so your 24--calendar-month countdown is reset to zero. If you’ve passed multiple check rides in close succession, you may have gone a long time without ever experiencing a flight review.

Another way to satisfy the requirements of a flight review is to complete an FAA-sponsored program. The FAA Safety Team (FAAST) boasts a huge list of flight activities and online workshops that can be completed in place of a flight review. For guidance on navigating the WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program, talk to your instructor or pilot examiner.

Pilots working for airlines, charter companies, or cargo operations often have internal currency checks at their workplace. These internal programs fulfill the purpose of keeping pilots current and proficient, so additional flight reviews aren’t necessary.

Some pilots, like flight instructors and glider pilots, have exceptions when it comes to what needs to be included in their flight review. If they meet specific requirements of § 61.56, they can bypass the flight or ground portion of a review and maintain full legal privileges of their pilot certificate.

Your examiner or instructor may give you a list of items to study beforehand, but they may not. If you’re unsure what to review, a great place to start is the WINGS Flight Review Prep Course. It’s a free guide on the FAAST website that provides an outline of topics commonly covered in a flight review.

For more thorough preparation, especially if you’re feeling rusty, consider taking a refresher course. With the vast technical knowledge it takes to be a pilot, it never hurts to brush up on foundational topics. A self-paced program like Sporty’s Rusty Pilot Kit will go more in-depth on things like regulations, weather, airspace, and aircraft performance.

Depending on where you go for your review, you may be planning to test in an aircraft you don’t regularly fly. Be sure to get a copy of the aircraft’s operating handbook in advance so you can review performance charts, checklists, and limitations.

Because a flight review is meant to enhance real-world safety, many reviewers like to assign a cross country flight plan as preliminary work. This provides a great focal point for scenario-based discussion. 

Use the time you have before the review to create a thorough plan. Review charts, NOTAMs, and airport information for this fictitious flight. Make sure your applications and charts are current. Consider weight and balance, fuel requirements, weather conditions, and possible alternates. By thinking through all aspects of a long cross-country, you’ll be well prepared for many topics that could come up during the ground discussion.

Flying a couple times before your review is a great way to make the most of your experience. Recency of experience will help you feel more prepared when it comes time to be tested. Find a safety pilot to go with you, or do it solo if you’re current and proficient. 

Flight simulators can also provide valuable practice time in a controlled environment. When used properly, even home-based setups are great training resources for reviewing aircraft procedures and maneuvers.

If it’s been a while since your last logged flight time, you may consider booking a lesson or two with an instructor. They’ll be able to work with you on your personal areas of weakness and provide feedback. As flight reviews are typically more expensive than normal lessons, an extra hour or two of instruction could save you money and time in the long run.

At the end of the review, your examiner will either endorse you for another two years of flying or recommend further training. Either way, they’ll also debrief the flight and ground lessons, providing notes on what went well and what can be improved. 

Flight reviews can only be passed or not passed. There is no failing a flight review. 

If you perform within standards, the instructor or person giving the review will sign an endorsement in your logbook stating you completed the review successfully. Receiving this endorsement means you are able to legally exercise the privileges of your certificate for another 24 months. 

If you don’t meet standards, the only penalty is that you don’t receive an endorsement. The instructor will provide feedback and recommendations to help you get up to standards before you attempt the review again. 

Continue to be proactive after your flight review and stay on top of regulatory changes and best practices. Staying current is one thing, but it’s up to you to keep up your proficiency. That could mean scheduling occasional dual time with an instructor, taking a WINGS course, or getting in a simulator. 

Not all flight reviews look the same, and for good reason. While the requirement is for one hour of ground and one hour of flight training, the reality is that some pilots will need more time. Don’t rush the review just to meet the minimums. Make sure you get through whatever you need to feel comfortable and confident continuing to act as pilot in command (PIC).

A flight review also does not need to be as intense as a check ride. If the pilot being reviewed can demonstrate that they are competent, skilled, and have good judgment, they should have no problem receiving an endorsement.

The good news is that there’s no way to fail a flight review. Either you pass, or you go back for more training and try again. Approach your flight review as a chance to keep getting better and you’ll have a great experience.

What is in a flight review?

A flight review covers general operating and flight rules of Part 91, and flight maneuvers and procedures that are necessary for safe flight.

What are the minimums for a flight review?

A minimum of one hour ground and one hour flight must be logged for a complete flight review.

Is a flight review like a check ride?

A flight review is structured similarly to a check ride, but is less regimented in the topics and flight maneuvers that must be covered. Flight reviews tend to take less time and cover less material than a check ride.