FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Medium
A Part 121 airline captain completed a satisfactory PIC proficiency check under 14 CFR 61.58 eight months ago as part of the company's approved training program. Under 14 CFR 61.56, what effect does this have on the captain's flight review requirement?
- AIt satisfies the flight review requirement permanently, with no further reviews needed
- BIt reduces the flight review interval to 12 months instead of 24 months
- CIt has no effect; a separate flight review is still required every 24 months
- DIt satisfies the flight review requirement for 24 calendar months from the month it was completed
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. It satisfies the flight review requirement for 24 calendar months from the month it was completed
14 CFR 61.56(e) provides that a pilot who has satisfactorily completed a pilot-in-command proficiency check under 61.58, or an approved 121/125/135 check, within the preceding 24 calendar months need not accomplish a separate flight review. The exemption lasts 24 calendar months from the month of completion, consistent with the standard flight review cycle.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The exemption is not permanent; it must be renewed every 24 months via a qualifying check or a standard flight review.
- B. The interval remains 24 months; the check does not shorten it to 12 months.
- C. 61.56(e) specifically exempts qualifying checks from a separate flight review requirement.
Flight Review Substitution (61.56(e))
A satisfactory 61.58 PIC proficiency check, or equivalent 121/125/135 check, within the preceding 24 months satisfies the 61.56 flight review requirement.
- 61.56 flight review is normally due every 24 calendar months
- 61.58 or air carrier PIC checks can substitute
- Substitution effect also lasts 24 calendar months from completion month
Memory trick: 'Pass the pro check, skip the review' — both run on the same 24-month clock.