FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)RegulationsEasy
A commercial pilot has not acted as pilot in command since completing initial certification 20 months ago. To act as pilot in command, the pilot must have, within the preceding 24 calendar months, satisfactorily completed a flight review or:
- ALogged 10 hours of solo flight time in the preceding 12 months
- BPassed a written test on Part 91 operating rules administered by any CFI
- CCompleted a phase of an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency award program (WINGS)
- DReceived a logbook endorsement from any commercial pilot stating currency
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Completed a phase of an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency award program (WINGS)
Under 14 CFR 61.56, a pilot may satisfy the flight review requirement by completing a flight review with an authorized instructor, or by satisfactorily completing a phase of an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency award (WINGS) program within the preceding 24 calendar months. The other options do not meet the regulatory requirements.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Solo flight time alone does not satisfy the flight review requirement.
- B. There is no written-test alternative to the flight review in the regulation.
- D. A flight review must be given by an authorized instructor, not just any commercial pilot.
Flight Review (BFR)
A review of operating rules and a flight of at least 1 hour required every 24 calendar months under 14 CFR 61.56 to act as PIC.
- Due every 24 calendar months, counted from the end of the month completed.
- Must be given by an authorized instructor unless substituted by WINGS completion.
- Not required if the pilot has passed a checkride or proficiency check within the period.
Memory trick: "24 months, WINGS or review, keeps your PIC privileges true."