What’s New With the Flight Review?

Examining MOSAIC rule impact, how to conquer ‘airspace fade,’ and ongoing EFB vs. paper chart debate.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, March 03, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

When it has been more than a decade since you were the PIC, there can be some jitters involved with a flight review. [Credit: CanvaPro]

Key Takeaways:

The new MOSAIC rule is a significant development, expanding opportunities for sport pilots to fly larger, faster aircraft after additional training and endorsements, which was a key discussion point at the Montana Aviation Conference.
Pilots, particularly those returning to flying, frequently encounter challenges with airspace regulations, radio communication ("mic fright"), and adapting to modern navigation tools like Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs).
Seminars like the AOPA Rusty Pilots program and flight reviews are crucial for refreshing pilot knowledge and skills, emphasizing that proficiency and meeting Airman Certification Standards dictate the review's duration, rather than minimum hours.

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I have just returned from Billings, Montana, where I had the honor of attending the Montana Aviation Conference. The annual event is three days of aviation organizations and pilots gathering to attend workshops and seminars, view exhibit wares, and listen to speakers.

I was one of the speakers, administering the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Rusty Pilots seminar. I have been traveling around the country doing these seminars since 2017, and I must say they bring me great joy. The seminar is approximately three and a half hours of ground instruction and can be used to help satisfy the required ground component for the flight review. The presentation is part illustrated lecture and part guided discussion.