FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Regulations (14 CFR 61/91)Easy
A private pilot has not acted as pilot in command of any aircraft in the past 28 months and has not completed any additional flight training since obtaining the certificate. According to 14 CFR 61.56, what must this pilot accomplish before acting as pilot in command again?
- ALog 3 takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days
- BRetake and pass the practical test for the private pilot certificate
- CObtain a new third-class medical certificate
- DComplete a flight review consisting of a minimum of 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Complete a flight review consisting of a minimum of 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training
14 CFR 61.56 requires every pilot to accomplish a flight review every 24 calendar months consisting of a minimum of 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training given by an authorized instructor, with a logbook endorsement. Since more than 24 calendar months have passed, the pilot must complete this review.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. That requirement applies to carrying passengers, not general recency under 61.56.
- B. A flight review does not require retaking the original practical test.
- C. Medical certificate currency is a separate requirement under 61.23, unrelated to the flight review.
Flight Review (61.56)
A recurrent training requirement every 24 calendar months consisting of at least 1 hour flight and 1 hour ground training, ending in a logbook endorsement.
- Required every 24 calendar months
- Minimum 1 hour flight + 1 hour ground training
- Given by an authorized instructor
- Endorsement required in logbook
Memory trick: Every 2 years, review before you fly clear.