You just earned your pilot certificate after months of hard work, early mornings, and countless hours studying weather patterns and regulations. The examiner shook your hand, congratulations poured in, and you felt on top of the world. But here’s something your instructor might have mentioned in passing: that shiny new certificate never expires, but your legal ability to exercise its privileges does. Welcome to one of aviation’s most important ongoing commitments: understanding and completing your flight review requirements.
Many newly certificated pilots get caught off guard by recurrent training obligations. Unlike a driver’s license that simply needs periodic renewal, your pilot certificate stays valid for life. However, the FAA requires regular demonstrations of competency to ensure you remain a safe, proficient aviator. Whether you’re fresh out of flight school or preparing for your first biennial flight review, understanding these requirements early helps you build smart habits and avoid last-minute scrambles. Let’s break down everything you need to know about staying current and making the most of your recurrent pilot training.
What Is a Flight Review and Why Does It Matter?
The flight review, previously known as the biennial flight review or BFR, is your ticket to continued flying privileges. According to FAR 61.56, every pilot must complete a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months to act as pilot in command. This isn’t about questioning your ability or treating you like a student again. It’s a smart safety mechanism that keeps pilots sharp in an environment where skills can deteriorate without regular practice.
Here’s what makes flight review requirements different from your initial training: there’s no pass or fail. Your instructor isn’t there to test you but to assess your proficiency and provide additional instruction where needed. The review must include at least one hour of flight training and one hour of ground training, though most reviews take longer. The ground portion covers current regulations, operating procedures, and flight rules. The flight portion focuses on maneuvers and procedures the instructor determines are necessary for you to demonstrate safe operation.
What happens if you miss your 24-month deadline? Your certificate doesn’t become invalid, but you cannot legally act as pilot in command until you complete the review. No solo flights, no taking passengers, no exercising those hard-earned privileges. That’s why smart pilots schedule their reviews a few months early, leaving buffer room for weather cancellations or scheduling conflicts.
Who Can Conduct Your Flight Review?
Not just any pilot can sign off your flight review. You need a certificated flight instructor (CFI) with a current certificate. The good news is you have options. You can return to your original flight school, work with an independent instructor, or even complete your review at a new location if you’ve relocated or want fresh perspectives.
Choosing the right instructor matters more than many pilots realize. Look for someone who understands your typical flying environment and mission. If you mostly fly cross-country trips, find an instructor who can incorporate practical navigation scenarios. If you stick close to home, work with someone familiar with your local airspace. At Pilots Academy, our instructors tailor each review to the individual pilot’s needs, not just checking boxes on a form.
The relationship between you and your instructor should feel collaborative. This person is reviewing your skills, yes, but they’re also there to help you become a better, safer pilot. Don’t be shy about requesting specific training in areas where you feel rusty. Want more practice with crosswind landings? Say so. Nervous about flying into controlled airspace? Make that part of your review.
Breaking Down Flight Review Requirements: What Actually Happens
Let’s get specific about what flight review requirements actually entail. The minimum is straightforward: one hour ground, one hour flight. But here’s the reality check: most reviews run longer, typically two to three hours of ground instruction and one to two hours of flight time.
During ground training, expect to cover current general operating and flight rules. Your instructor will likely quiz you on airspace classifications, weather minimums, and recent regulation changes. They might present scenarios: what would you do if your transponder failed over Class C airspace? How would you handle deteriorating weather on a cross-country flight? These aren’t gotcha questions but opportunities to demonstrate your aeronautical decision-making skills.
The flight portion covers areas of operation your instructor deems necessary for safe flight. This typically includes preflight procedures, airport operations, takeoffs and landings in various configurations, slow flight, stalls, emergency procedures, and basic air work. You won’t need to demonstrate commercial pilot-level precision, but you do need to show competency and safe operating practices. Your instructor might throw in some scenario-based training, like dealing with a simulated emergency or navigating to an unfamiliar airport.
Smart Alternatives to the Traditional Flight Review
Here’s something many pilots don’t realize: you don’t always need a traditional flight review to stay current. Several activities can substitute for or satisfy your flight review requirements. Completing any pilot proficiency check, such as an instrument proficiency check, counts as a flight review. Earning a new certificate or rating also resets your clock. Passed your commercial pilot checkride? Congratulations, you just completed your flight review too.
The FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program offers another excellent alternative. By completing a combination of ground training and flight activities throughout the year, you can satisfy your flight review requirements while building skills progressively rather than cramming everything into one or two sessions. Many pilots find this approach less stressful and more educational than the traditional review format.
For those interested in structured recurrent training, phase of flight programs provide ongoing education and skill maintenance. While these programs require more commitment than a single review, they keep you sharp and current year-round. Consider exploring professional development programs to see what fits your schedule and learning style.
Preparing for Your Flight Review Like a Pro
The difference between a mediocre flight review and a valuable one often comes down to preparation. Start by reviewing your logbook and identifying areas where you haven’t flown recently. Been avoiding short-field landings? That’s probably something to practice before your review. Haven’t flown at night in months? Time to build that confidence back up.
Brush up on the Aeronautical Information Manual and Part 91 regulations. You don’t need to memorize everything, but you should be familiar with basic operating rules, airspace requirements, and emergency procedures. Take advantage of online resources, FAA Safety Seminars, and aviation apps that make studying more interactive than staring at textbooks.
Here’s a practical flight review checklist to help you prepare: review your personal minimums, study local airspace thoroughly, practice maneuvers on your own or with a safety pilot, gather all required documents (logbook, medical certificate, photo ID), and write down specific goals for your review. What do you want to improve? What concerns do you have about your flying? Share these with your instructor upfront so they can tailor the review accordingly.
Beyond the Minimums: Building Real Proficiency
Meeting flight review requirements is one thing. Maintaining true proficiency is another. The FAA minimums represent just that: minimums. If you only fly every two years for your flight review, you’re technically legal but probably not as safe as you could be. Real proficiency comes from regular practice and ongoing education.
Consider your recurrent pilot training as part of a bigger picture. Instrument-rated pilots need an instrument proficiency check every six months to fly in IMC. Currency for carrying passengers requires three takeoffs and landings within 90 days, or three night landings for night passenger privileges. Complex aircraft, high-performance planes, and tailwheel endorsements all benefit from regular practice beyond legal minimums.
Professional pilots train constantly because aviation skills deteriorate quickly. While you might not need monthly simulator sessions like airline pilots, you should aim to fly regularly and intentionally practice skills between reviews. Join a flying club, find a regular safety pilot, or schedule periodic refresher lessons with an instructor. At Pilots Academy, we encourage our graduates to think of training as an ongoing journey, not a destination you reach and leave behind.
Staying Ahead: Making Reviews Work for You
Smart pilots view flight reviews as opportunities, not obligations. Instead of dreading the appointment, use it to expand your skills and try new things. Want to get familiar with a glass cockpit? Ask to do your review in a newer aircraft. Curious about flying into a busy Class C airport you’ve been avoiding? Make that part of your cross-country training.
Don’t wait until month 24 to schedule your review. Life happens, weather cancels flights, and instructors get booked up. Aim to complete your review around month 20 or 21, giving yourself a comfortable buffer. This also means you’re flying more regularly, which naturally keeps your skills sharper.
Document what you learn during each review. Keep notes about areas where you struggled, new techniques you learned, or goals for your next review period. This personal record becomes invaluable for tracking your development as a pilot and ensuring each review builds on the previous one rather than repeating the same material.
Your Path Forward: Staying Current and Confident
Flight review requirements exist for one simple reason: they keep pilots safe. What might feel like bureaucratic paperwork actually represents aviation’s commitment to continuous learning and skill maintenance. Every review is a chance to sharpen your skills, learn something new, and reconnect with the passion that brought you to aviation in the first place.
At Pilots Academy, we understand that staying current involves more than checking boxes on a regulation. We work with pilots to create meaningful, personalized training experiences that build real-world skills and confidence. Whether you’re approaching your first flight review or your tenth, our instructors are here to make the process valuable, efficient, and maybe even enjoyable.
Your pilot certificate represents a lifetime achievement, but your growth as an aviator never stops. Embrace recurrent training as part of your journey, stay ahead of your requirements, and keep building the skills that make aviation both safe and rewarding. The sky isn’t the limit when you’re committed to continuous improvement. It’s just the beginning.
Ready to schedule your flight review or learn more about our recurrent training programs? Connect with our team at Pilots Academy and experience the difference that personalized, professional instruction makes.Retry
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight review typically cost?
Most flight reviews cost between $300 and $600, depending on your location, aircraft rental rates, and how long the review takes. The minimum requirement is one hour of ground and one hour of flight, but most reviews run longer. Budget for at least two hours of ground instruction, one to two hours of flight time, plus aircraft rental. Some flight schools offer package deals that include both instruction and aircraft rental.
Can I fail a flight review?
Technically, no. A flight review isn’t a test with pass or fail outcomes. However, if your instructor determines you’re not proficient enough to safely act as pilot in command, they won’t endorse your logbook. Instead, they’ll provide additional instruction until you demonstrate the necessary competency. Think of it as “not yet complete” rather than “failed.”
What happens if my flight review expires and I need to fly somewhere?
If your flight review has lapsed, you cannot legally act as pilot in command, period. This includes solo flights. Your only option is to fly with a current CFI who can conduct your flight review during that flight, or have another current pilot act as pilot in command while you fly as a passenger or safety pilot. Don’t cut it close—schedule your review well before the deadline.
Does completing my instrument rating count as a flight review?
Yes. Any completed pilot proficiency check, including checkrides for new certificates or ratings, counts as a flight review. This resets your 24-month clock from the date of the checkride. The same applies to instrument proficiency checks and completing phases of the WINGS program.
How long should I prepare before scheduling my flight review?
Give yourself at least two to four weeks of preparation time before your scheduled review. Use this time to study regulations, practice maneuvers, and fly with a safety pilot if possible. If you haven’t flown in several months or longer, consider scheduling a refresher lesson or two before the official review. The more prepared you are, the more valuable and efficient your review will be.
Can I do my flight review in a different type of aircraft than I usually fly?
Yes, and this can actually be a great learning opportunity. Your instructor might recommend doing the review in the category and class of aircraft you typically fly to ensure you’re proficient in your normal operation. However, if you want to gain experience in different aircraft, discuss this with your instructor. Some pilots use their flight review as a chance to get checked out in a new airplane, accomplishing two goals in one session.
What’s the difference between a flight review and an instrument proficiency check?
A flight review satisfies the requirement for all pilots to demonstrate general proficiency every 24 months. An instrument proficiency check (IPC) is specifically for instrument-rated pilots who haven’t maintained instrument currency and want to regain their instrument privileges. An IPC also counts as a flight review, but a flight review doesn’t automatically satisfy IPC requirements unless it includes the necessary instrument tasks and procedures.