Per 14 CFR 61.56, the flight review needs to consist of at least three things:
- At least 1 hour of ground instruction going over all of the applicable operating and flight rules,
- At least 1 hour of flight instruction going over the maneuvers and procedures that show you are safe to continue exercising your pilot privileges, and
- An endorsement in your logbook that the flight review was completed in accordance with 61.56(a).
The exact content of the flight review is up to the discretion of the person conducting it (typically a flight instructor), but should give them a good understanding of your current skill, thought process, and safety attitude.
If you are a current pilot who has flown recently, then expect your flight review to be pretty painless and routine. However, if you haven't flown in a while, make sure to study up on all of the basics, otherwise the instructor may determine that they would like to spend some more time with you going over things before they're comfortable in endorsing your logbook.
The FAA has a great publication that goes over a good flight review, includes suggestions on using scenario-based problems, and includes checklists for both the pilot and the instructor on items they should expect to go over. The document is entitled "Conducting an Effective Flight Review," and can be used as a guide for both parties.
If you're to the point where you need to get a biannual flight review, contact us today and let's talk about how we can work together to get that accomplished.
Happy flying!
