Every certificated pilot needs a flight review every 24 calendar months to act as pilot in command. But a lot of pilots aren't sure exactly what to expect — especially if it's been a while since their last one. Here's a plain-language walkthrough of what the process actually looks like when you fly with me.
It's Not a Test
The most important thing to understand about a flight review is that it is not a pass/fail checkride. The FAA designed it as a training event. There's no certificate at stake, no pink slip if something doesn't go well. If we need more time on a particular maneuver or topic, we schedule another session — and nothing gets reported to the FAA.
That said, I take them seriously and so should you. The goal is to make sure you're genuinely safe and current, not just to sign your logbook.
What the FAA Requires
14 CFR 61.56 sets the minimums:
- At least 1 hour of ground instruction covering current FAA regulations and general operating procedures
- At least 1 hour of flight instruction covering safe aircraft operations
In practice, most reviews run 2.5 to 3.5 hours total depending on your currency and how much ground discussion we get into.
The Ground Portion
We'll usually start on the ground. Topics I typically cover include:
- Airspace — class designations, requirements, recent changes
- Weather — reading METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, and making go/no-go decisions
- Regulations — currency requirements, endorsements, medical, airspace rules
- Your specific operation — what you fly, where you fly, and what risks are most relevant to you
I'm not looking to quiz you on obscure FARs. I'm looking to have a real conversation about how you fly and where your knowledge is solid versus where a refresher helps.
The Flight Portion
What we do in the air depends on your experience and what came up on the ground. For most private pilots, we'll cover:
- Preflight and runup
- Takeoffs and landings (normal, crosswind)
- Slow flight and stalls
- Emergency procedures
- Navigation and airspace awareness
If you've been flying regularly and it shows, we'll keep moving. If there's something specific you want to work on — short field techniques, mountain flying, night currency — we can build that into the session.
What to Bring
- Pilot certificate
- Government-issued photo ID
- Current medical certificate
- Logbook
- Aircraft documents (airworthiness certificate, registration, POH, weight & balance)
- Any EFB or iPad you fly with
How to Prepare
The best preparation is recent flying. If you haven't flown in a while, even a solo flight or two in the weeks before your review will make a real difference. Review Part 91 regulations and your POH emergency procedures. Think about the airspace around your home airport and any recent changes.
You don't need to cram. Just come in ready to fly and talk through how you operate.
Ready to Schedule?
Book your flight review online with live availability. Questions? Call or text me at (413) 351-5756.