The FAA Advisory Circular (AC 61-98) provides information about the scope of the flight review required by the Section Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The current 14 CFR Section 61.56 provides:
(a) A flight review consists of a minimum of one hour of flight instruction and one hour of ground instruction. The review must include -(1) A review of the current general operating and flight rules of part 91 of this chapter,
(2) A review of those maneuvers and procedures which, at the discretion of the person giving the review, are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate the safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate.(b) Removed for ease of reading (Glider pilots)
(c) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section, no person may act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft unless, since the beginning of the 24th calendar month before the month in which that pilot acts as pilot-in-command, that person has
- Acomplished a flight review given in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated by an appropriately rated instructor certified under this part or other person designated by the Administrator; and
- A logbook endorsed by the person who gave the review certifying that the person has satisfactorily completed the review.
(d) A person who has, within the period specified in paragraph (c) of this section, satisfactorily completed a pilot proficiency check conducted by the FAA, an approved pilot check airman, or a U.S. Armed Force, for a pilot certificate rating, or operating privilege, need not accomplish the flight review required by this section.
(e) A person who has, within the period specified in paragraph (c) of this section, satisfactorily completed one or more phases of an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency award program need not accomplish the flight review required by this section.
(f) A person who holds a current flight instructor certificate who has, within the period specified in paragraph (c) of this section, satisfactorily completed a renewal of a flight instructor certificate under the provisions of Part 61.197(c), need not accomplish one hour of ground instruction specified in subparagraph (a)(1) of this section.
(g) The requirements of this section may be accomplished in combination with the requirements of Part 61.57 and other applicable recency requirements at the discretion of the instructor.
The flight and oral review required by this section is not a test or checkride, but is an instructional service designed to assess a pilot's knowledge and skill to see if the pilot can continue to operate safely. Prior to undertaking the review, the instructor should interview the pilot to determine the nature of his flying and operating requirements. There are two parts to the flight review- namely, the maneuvers and procedures review, and the Part 91 review,
The maneuvers and procedures reviewed will vary depending on the size and manufacturer of balloon used. A review in a sport balloon should be different from one conducted in a large passenger balloon. Instructors should also consider their own experience and qualification in a given make and model prior to giving a review in that model. The instructor should have flight experience and sufficient knowledge of the model prior to giving the review.
The instructor should use the type of flying generally performed by the pilot to establish a plan for conducting the review. For example, a pilot who flies in many different regions will need a different review than a pilot who flies in the local area. Nevertheless, the instructor should consider the need for a greater review if the type of flight operations is likely to change. A pilot who normally flies only in the local area may be planning to begin flight in a location with Class B, C, or D airspace. The pilot may now require radio communications skills where there was no need before. In both cases, the instructor should include airspace and its limitations as part of the flight review.
The instructor should review the pilot's logbook to determine total flight experience and evaluate the need for particular maneuvers and procedures on the review. A pilot who has not flown in several years may require an extensive review of basic maneuvers from the Practical Test Standards (PTS) appropriate to that pilot's certificate. This pilot may also require a more extensive review of 14 CFR Part 91, including recent changes in airspace and other requirements. Another pilot who is transitioning to a balloon of a different manufacturer should receive more emphasis on that balloon's system. Regardless of light experience, the instructor should ensure that the instruction includes all areas that will allow the pilot to operate safely. The instructor may recommend that the pilot undertake a complete refresher course.
After completing the analysis of the scope of the review, the instructor should review these considerations with the pilot and reach a mutually agreeable understanding regarding how the flight review will be conducted. The instructor may wish to provide the pilot with study materials. The instructor should also review with the pilot the standards under which satisfactory completion of the review will be measured.
REVIEW OF PART 91
The instructor should tailor the review of the general operating and flight rules (14 CFR Part 91) to the needs of the pilot. The objective is to ensure that the pilot can comply with regulatory requirements and operate safely in various types of airspace. As a result, the instructor should conduct a review that is broad enough to meet this objective yet provide a more comprehensive review in those areas where the pilot's knowledge is not as extensive.
The review of 14 CFR Part 91 is critical due to the continuous changes and complexity of our airspace. The flight review may be the only proficiency and updating experience received by some pilots. The following list of Part 91 sections will ensure that essential areas are covered.
91.3 Responsibility and authority of the pilot-in-command.
91.13 Careless or reckless operations. (Inappropriate landing area for aircraft.)
91.15 Dropping objects.
91.17 Alcohol or drugs.
91.103 Preflight action.
91.111 Operating near other aircraft.
91.119 Minimum safe altitudes.
91.121 Altimeter
91.129 Operations in Class D airspace.
91.130 Operations in Class C airspace
91.133 Restricted and prohibited areas.
91.155 Basic VFR weather minimums
91.203 Civil Aircraft: Certifications required.
91.209 Aircraft lights.
91.211 Supplemental oxygen.
91.302 Maintenance- general.
91.405 Maintenance required.
91.409 Inspections
91.417 Maintenance records
Review of Maneuvers and Procedures
The flight maneuvers covered during the review are those, which are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate that he can safely exercise the privileges of his pilot certificate. The instructor should evaluate the pilot's skills and knowledge to the extent necessary to ensure that he can safely operate under a wide range of conditions and within regulatory requirements.
The instructor may wish to prepare a preliminary plan for the flight review based on the interview assessment of the pilot's skills. A sequence of maneuvers should be outlined. For example, this may include a flight to altitude or several approaches and landings. The pilot should make whatever preflight preparation is necessary to conduct the flight. Examples of such activities may include checking weather, preparing a flight plan, calculating weight, or conducting the preflight inspection.
Prior to commencing the flight portion of the review, the instructor should discuss various operational areas with the pilot. This oral review could include areas such as aircraft systems and performance; weather and other hazards, such as wind shear and rotors; and operations in controlled airspace. The emphasis during this discussion should be on practical knowledge of recommended procedures and regulatory requirements.
Regardless of the pilot's experience, the instructor may wish to review those maneuvers considered critical to safe flight, such as inflation, launch and landings. Based on his in-flight assessment of the pilot's skills, the instructor may wish to add other maneuvers from the PTS.
The in-flight review need not be limited to just evaluation. The instructor may provide additional instruction in weak areas or defer this instruction for a follow-up flight.
Post-review Considerations
Upon completion of the review, the instructor should debrief the pilot and inform him whether the review was satisfactory. Regardless of this determination, the instructor should provide the pilot with a comprehensive analysis of his performance, including any weak areas. The instructor should not endorse the pilot's logbook to reflect an unsatisfactory review, but should sign the logbook to record the instruction given. The endorsement for a satisfactory review can be found in endorcements.