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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 61.56

Flight review

Read the official rule

In plain English

To act as pilot in command you must have completed a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months. A flight review is at least one hour of ground training and one hour of flight training with an authorized instructor, who endorses your logbook when you pass.

Key points

  • Required every 24 calendar months to act as PIC.
  • Minimum 1 hour ground + 1 hour flight with a CFI.
  • A passed checkride or certain proficiency programs (e.g. WINGS phases) can substitute.

Common pitfalls

  • A flight review is not a test you can "fail" — but the instructor must be satisfied before endorsing.
  • It's separate from currency (61.57) and from your medical.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 7, 2026.