14 CFR 61.56 — Flight Review
Requires a flight review every 24 calendar months to act as PIC. Must include a minimum of 1 hour ground and 1 hour flight training.
Regulation Text
No person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft unless that person has accomplished a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months. The flight review must include a minimum of 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training, and a review of the current general operating and flight rules of part 91 and a review of those maneuvers and procedures that, at the discretion of the person giving the review, are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate.
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
Every 24 calendar months, you need a flight review (formerly called a BFR) with a flight instructor. It must include at least 1 hour of ground training and 1 hour of flight training reviewing Part 91 rules and whatever maneuvers the instructor thinks you need to practice. No flight review = no flying as PIC. Certain activities like passing a practical test or completing a phase of the WINGS program can substitute.
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Related Regulations
14 CFR 61.57 — Recent Experience: Pilot in Command
Requires 3 takeoffs and landings within 90 days to carry passengers. Night currency requires 3 full-stop landings at night. IFR currency requires 6 approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking within 6 calendar months.
§61.314 CFR 61.3 — Requirement for Certificates, Ratings, and Authorizations
Requires pilots to carry a valid pilot certificate and photo ID, and a valid medical certificate while acting as PIC or required flight crewmember.
§91.314 CFR 91.3 — Responsibility and Authority of the Pilot in Command
The PIC is directly responsible for and is the final authority as to the operation of the aircraft. In an emergency, the PIC may deviate from any rule to the extent required.
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