Flight Review

11 · BFR · 61.56

The 14 CFR 61.56 flight review. One hour of ground, one hour of flight, every 24 calendar months. Keep your PIC privileges current — and walk out sharper than you walked in.

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24 moRequired interval
1 hrGround minimum
1 hrFlight minimum
0Checkrides
11What it is

Staylegal.Staysharp.

The flight review used to be called the BFR — biennial flight review. Same thing. Every 24 calendar months, every certificated pilot sits with a CFI for an hour of ground and an hour of flight. You can't act as PIC without one.

PrivilegesWhat you can do

  • Reviews aircraft systems, maneuver proficiency, and emergency procedures
  • Refreshes regulatory and airspace changes since your last review
  • Restores satisfaction of 14 CFR 61.56 — legal to act as PIC
  • Re-grounds personal minimums and risk-management habits
  • Conducted by Gold Seal CFIs in the Archer II

LimitationsAnd what you can't

  • Does not restore instrument currency — that is the IPC (61.57)
  • Must be repeated every 24 calendar months to remain current
  • Not a checkride — there is no pass/fail FAA practical test
  • Does not add any certificate, rating, or endorsement
  • Does not substitute for a medical certificate
Prerequisites
  • Hold a U.S. pilot certificate (any level above student)
  • Current FAA medical certificate (or BasicMed where applicable)
  • Logbook available for endorsement
  • Photo ID and pilot certificate present at the flight
Why Desert Wings

The case for training here.

Proven student success

Our students consistently pass their checkrides and achieve their aviation goals with confidence.

Gold Seal instruction

Learn from FAA-certified Gold Seal instructors with proven teaching methods and personalized attention.

Year-round flying

Train in Mesa, Arizona with ideal flying conditions and over 300 days of sunshine per year.

Flexible scheduling

Train at your own pace with scheduling options that fit your lifestyle and learning goals.

FAQ

Questions we hear a lot.

How often do I need a flight review?

14 CFR 61.56 requires a flight review every 24 calendar months. You must complete it to act as pilot in command. "Calendar months" means the end of the month — a review completed on May 15, 2024 is valid through May 31, 2026.

What does the flight review cover?

At minimum, one hour of ground instruction and one hour of flight instruction. The ground portion reviews current general operating and flight rules of 14 CFR Part 91. The flight portion reviews the maneuvers and procedures the CFI deems necessary to demonstrate safe PIC privileges.

Is there a checkride or test I can fail?

No. The flight review is not a practical test — there's no pass/fail in the FAA sense. If the CFI feels you need more training before they sign the endorsement, you simply schedule additional time. The endorsement is given when you're ready.

I just finished a checkride or proficiency check — do I still need a flight review?

Probably not. Per 14 CFR 61.56(d), a satisfactory practical test for a certificate, rating, or operating privilege counts in place of the flight review. An IPC or BFR-equivalent within the past 24 calendar months satisfies the requirement.

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