Make Flight Reviews for CFIs Worthwhile

When you are a busy instructor, flying for yourself can be particularly enjoyable.

Friday, April 19, 2024 at 09:29 AM ET

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It may seem odd that someone who flies for a living needs to demonstrate pilot proficiency every two years, but those are the rules, with a few exceptions. [iStock]

Key Takeaways:

Flight reviews are a biennial requirement for flight instructors, offering an opportunity for personal skill development or fulfillment by obtaining new ratings or endorsements.
The review consists of a minimum of one hour ground instruction (waivable for active CFIs) and one hour flight, emphasizing a comprehensive evaluation of safe operating skills beyond regulatory minimums.
Flight reviews are considered instruction, not a pass/fail check ride; an unsatisfactory outcome leads to further training and a plan for proficiency, not a recorded failure.
The administering CFI must hold appropriate category and class ratings, and in situations where they lack specific aircraft familiarity, the pilot undergoing the review must be current, qualified, and act as pilot in command.

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One of the most challenging parts of being a flight instructor is making the time for your own flying, such as when you need a flight review. It may seem odd that someone who flies for a living needs to demonstrate proficiency every two years, but those are the rules, with a few exceptions, such as completing a phase of the FAA Wings program or adding a new certificate or rating. Don’t just aim to satisfy the minimum requirements—make the time spent worth something.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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