How often must a pilot complete a flight review to continue exercising the privileges of their certificate? Answer in under 100 words.

Details / How it works

Under 14 CFR §61.56(c), no person may act as pilot in command unless, since the beginning of the 24th calendar month before the month in which they act as pilot in command, they have accomplished a flight review given by an authorized instructor and received a logbook endorsement. The review consists of at least 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training, including a review of Part 91 operating rules and maneuvers necessary for safe privilege exercise (§61.56(a)).

Numbers & thresholds

Exceptions & edge cases

A pilot is exempt from the flight review if, within the 24-month period, they have passed a pilot proficiency check or practical test (e.g., for a certificate or rating) conducted by an examiner, approved check airman, or U.S. Armed Force (§61.56(d)(1)). Additional exemptions include passing a practical test for a flight instructor certificate or rating, reinstating instructor privileges, or completing an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency program (§61.56(d)(2), (e)). Student pilots with a current solo flight endorsement under §61.87 are also exempt (§61.56(g)). Flight instructors who meet recent experience requirements under §61.197 or reinstate privileges via an approved refresher course under §61.199(a)(1) need not complete the ground training portion (§61.56(f)).