Don’t Dread the Flight Review

Pilots should make it more than a lunch date and be prepared for the best results.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Making a plan to stay proficient between flight reviews is an important step towards your overall safety and flying enjoyment. [Pixabay]

Key Takeaways:

Flight reviews (FAR 61.56) are mandatory every 24 months for pilot currency, often dreaded and rushed, sometimes leading to perfunctory completion that doesn't adequately verify skills.
Pilots should proactively schedule flight reviews well in advance (e.g., 2 months), book sufficient time (3 hours), and thoroughly review their knowledge and skills for a more beneficial experience.
Alternatives to a standard flight review include completing practical tests for new ratings/certificates or participating in the FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program.
While flexible in content, flight reviews require demonstrating knowledge and skill to Airman Certification Standards; instructors can withhold endorsement until proficiency is met, highlighting the importance of prior study.

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There is something about the thought of doing a flight review that makes pilots cringe as though they are talking about a trip to the dentist.

Per cFAR 61.56, a flight review usually consists of at least an hour of ground and one of flight, which isn’t a lot in the grand scheme of things. Yet there are pilots who treat them with dread or look for a way to make it as painless as possible, such as the old “fly to lunch with my buddy who is a CFI, talk about flying for an hour, and get an endorsement” route.