When Do You Need Your Next Flight Review?

Why Do Flight Reviews Exist?

To exercise your privileges as pilot in command (PIC), the FAA requires a satisfactory flight review every 24 calendar months under FAR 61.56. While historically referred to as a "Biennial Flight Review" (BFR), the FAA removed the word "biennial" to encourage general aviation pilots to train with an instructor more frequently than the bare-minimum two-year interval.

A flight review is a constructive, low-stress opportunity to brush up on maneuvers, systems, and operating rules you might not use in your daily flying. The regulatory minimum consists of 1 hour of ground training (covering Part 91 general operating and flight rules) and 1 hour of flight training. Because the FAA leaves the specific maneuvers to the instructor's discretion, we tailor the entire session to your typical flying habits—focusing on steep turns and stalls if you primarily fly cross-country, or diversion planning and airspace if you fly locally.

Crucially, you cannot "fail" a flight review. It is not a checkride or a practical test. If your flying is a little rough around the edges, your instructor will simply log the time as dual instruction given and work with you on a structured plan to get back to proficiency. No unsatisfactory logbook entry is ever made.

For a detailed breakdown of what to expect, check out our FAA Flight Review Requirements Blog Guide.