1. CFI Workshop 7 Core Topic 14
Flight Review
2012/01/20-011(1)PP
Created by:
Harlow Voorhees, AWP
This core topic is intended to facilitate a group discussion. The presenter is not going to tell the audience how to conduct a flight review. It is intended to present information directly from the rules and FAA guidance and then get a group discussion going.

2. Welcome CFIs
We are here to discuss the Flight Review specified in 14 CFR
We will review the basic requirements
We will discuss FAA recommendations for conducting an effective Flight Review
This will be an interactive presentation and your participation is encouraged!
Welcome participants and introduce the subject. Acknowledge that most CFIs are familiar with flight reviews and our plan for this core topic is to encourage a discussion of flight reviews that can include questions, ideas, stories of flight reviews, and any other input. Stress audience participation. Emphasize that the flight review is the minimum requirement for part 91 pilot proficiency and it is the opportunity for a CFI to reach a pilot and keep his or her proficiency at an acceptable level. This will help reduce general aviation accidents!

3. Wings Program The FAASTeam promotes the use of the FAA WINGS Program
Wings provides a general aviation pilot with a continuous proficiency program
Pilots phased in WINGS have fewer accidents!
However, this presentation will focus on the basic flight review that is taken once every 24 months
We want to mention the Wings Program at the start of our presentation because this will emphasize the advantage of an on going proficiency plan for GA pilots. A phase in Wings meets the requirements of a flight review ( 14 CFR e.). After mentioning this, direct audience attention to the subject of the basic flight review called for in 14 CFR

4. Objective
Using 14 CFR 61.56, AC-61-98A, and The Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H A) as reference, we will discuss the basic requirements of a Flight Review
As a group, we will answer participant questions and solicit suggestions on how to obtain the best results for your general aviation clients who take Flight Reviews
State the objective of our presentation and note this is a component of the FIRC portion of the CFI Workshop Program. Mention that there will be a short quiz at the conclusion of our program and it will address the above stated objective

5. 14 CFR 61.56 Flight Review Must include 1 hour of flight training
1 hour of ground training
Must include
A review of current general operating rules (91)
A review of those maneuvers and procedures that, 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
This slide paraphrases the basic requirements for a CFI to use in conducting a flight review. Mention that these are minimum requirements and CFIs must plan sufficient time to cover all items. A current pilot who has prepared may complete the review in minimum time. Other pilots may require more time depending on their knowledge, recent flight experience, and preparation. For example a certificated pilot who has not flown in years may need extensive ground and flight training with the goal of a satisfactory flight review endorsement.

6. 14 CFR 61.56
PIC Requirements
Accomplish a flight review in an aircraft the PIC is rated in
Given by an authorized instructor
Obtain a log book endorsement certifying satisfactory completion of a flight review
Must be accomplished since the beginning of the 24th month before the month in which the pilot acts as PIC
Further review of basic requirements and an opportunity to discuss the fact that this is training and not a test. Remind CFIs that a training session that does not reach the “satisfactory” level should be signed off as instruction given. Talk about the fact that a pilot can act as PIC during the flight review if their previous review is still current (24 months). If it is not current, the CFI must act as PIC. Remind pilots that in addition to the logbook endorsement certifying satisfactory completion, the pilot must also log the ground and flight training received during the review -14 CFR (a)(1). This is often overlooked by CFIs who believe the endorsement is the only logbook entry required.

7. 14 CFR 61.56 Exceptions (Flight Review not required)
Pass a pilot proficiency check by an examiner, an approved pilot check airman, a US Armed Force, for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege
Accomplish one or more phases of an FAA sponsored pilot proficiency program (WINGS)
A CFI who has renewed under 14 CFR
(1 hour ground training credit)
A student pilot undergoing training with a current solo endorsement
CFIs should be familiar with circumstances that allow a person to be a PIC without a formal flight review. Any time a pilot obtains a new rating, certificate or operating privilege through a flight test, it counts as a flight review. Proficiency flight checks accomplished by the military, Part 121, or Part 135 carriers count as a flight review. A pilot who receives a phase in Wings establishes that date as the most recent flight review date. A pilot who remains phased in Wings continuously meets review requirements. The current legal interpretation is that an initial CFI flight test is not a check of pilot proficiency and therefore does not satisfy the requirements of 14 CFR part However, a CFI who has renewed I/A/W gets credit for the 1 hour of ground training.

8. 14 CFR 61.56 Simulators and Flight Training Devices
Must be used in an approved course by a Part 142 Training Center
Must represent an aircraft or set of aircraft for which the pilot is rated
If not approved for takeoff and landing
The pilot must meet takeoff and landing requirements of 14 CFR (a) or (b)
It is industry practice for 142 training centers to sign off flight reviews during annual proficiency checks in turbo prop, turbo jet, and other high performance aircraft sets forth the conditions for this.

9. Discussion Any comments or questions?
Let’s discuss the phrase “At the discretion of the person giving the review”
What does “satisfactorily completed the review” mean to you?
If the review is not satisfactory, how do you log it?
Un-Sat: can the pilot continue to act as PIC?
AC 61-98A states that the flight review is "an instructional service designed to assess a pilot's knowledge and skills." The regulations are even more specific: 14 CFR states that the person giving the flight review has the discretion to determine the maneuvers and procedures necessary for the pilot to demonstrate "safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate." It is thus a proficiency-based exercise, and it is up to you, the instructional service provider, to determine how much time and what type of instruction is required to ensure that the pilot has the necessary knowledge and skills for safe operation.
Unsatisfactory Completion of the Review.
The instructor should not endorse the pilot’s logbook to note an unsatisfactory review, but should sign the logbook to record the instruction given. The CFI should then recommend additional training in the areas of the review that were unsatisfactory. A pilot who is denied an endorsement for a flight review may continue to exercise the privileges of his or her certificate, provided a period of 24 calendar months has not elapsed since the pilot’s last successful flight
review or pilot proficiency check. If a pilot has
performed a flight review and, in the pilot’s opinion the flight instructor has unfairly judged that he or she was unable to successfully complete the review, the pilot may request a flight review from another CFI. (AC A)

10. Planning the Flight Review
Find out the pilot’s flight practices and set up a plan that is appropriate
Should be conducted at the level of certification the pilot holds
Both pilot and instructor should agree on objectives and standards
The goal is to ensure the pilot can operate with an acceptable level of safety
Discuss the review with the pilot before hand and find out what type of flying and how often. The flight review should address the type of flying the pilot conducts on a routine basis. The standards should be at the level of certification held by the pilot and should be appropriate to ensure the pilot can operate safely. Maneuvers not routinely practiced such as stalls, slow flight, and emergencies should be included. Flight by reference to instruments should be demonstrated but IFR procedures need not be included unless the CFI believes they are necessary. Most IFR pilots maintain 6 month currency and take IPC checks if they are needed. It is important for both the CFI and pilot to discuss and agree on the plan, objectives, and standards in advance. Thereafter, the CFI should keep the pilot informed on his or her performance. Use learner centered grading techniques when possible. This means asking the pilot to perform a self critique and be involved in the evaluation. The information on this slide was derived from AC A.

11. Discussion
What are some of the knowledge areas you find are in need of attention on a typical flight review?
How do you select maneuvers and procedures?
Do you find that most pilots are in need of “recurrent training” to brush up on skills?
Are any “bad habits” observed during your flight reviews?
This discussion can be helpful to attendees. It may just reinforce their own experiences or it may provide some fresh ideas for the subject. Be a facilitator and let the audience do the talking.

12. Best Practices
A flight review is an excellent opportunity for a CFI to evaluate a Pilot’s Decision Making (PDM) skills.
Many GA pilots have not been exposed to the principals of risk management
CFIs can make a contribution to aviation safety by conducting training on this subject if needed
The above advice is from the Aviation Instructor’s Handbook FAA-H A dated This guidance also suggests the use of scenarios on a flight review and refers CFIs to sources for risk management training.

13. Discussion
Do you agree that aeronautical decision making (ADM) should be evaluated?
How do you do it?
Stall/Spin awareness is a critical component of general aviation accident prevention
Can we say the same about ADM?
Do you practice and teach Single Pilot Resource Management?
Inquire if the audience has read and/or is familiar with the most recent edition of FAA-H A Aviation Instructor’s Handbook published in This version has expanded text concerning risk management and all CFIs should be responsible for this information and use it both in primary and recurrent ground and flight instruction. If there is positive response, try and get a discussion going. This may help CFIs in the audience who are not comfortable with this subject.

14. Resources
Advisory Circular 61-98A (Currency and Additional Qualification Requirements for Certificated Pilots 3/26/91)
Conducting an Effective Flight Review
FAA-H A Aviation Instructor’s Handbook
Faa.safety.gov Select: Resources, Library, Airmen/Pilots
Review these resources that a pilot can use to get guidance for planning and conducting flight reviews. AC61-98A contains guidance for conducting flight reviews. Conducting an effective flight review by Susan Parson’s is an excellent guide available on FAAsafety.gov. FAA-H A 2008 Aviation Instructor’s Handbook can be downloaded from FAA.gov. Contains guidance on the use of scenarios. Use Faasafety.gov Resources, Library, Airmen/Pilots to find links that will help instructors in planni ng and conducting flight reviews.

15. Conclusion Thank you for your participation in this presentation
Flight Reviews are an industry managed FAA monitored currency program for pilots
24 months is a minimum period for maintaining currency
Please put effort into making the Flight Review count!
In concluding this presentation, try and acknowledge audience participants who have made a contribution. It may be a good idea to put in a final plug for the WINGS Program as an alternative to the rather minimal FAA requirement. Ask if CFIs gained anything from the discussion and try and obtain feedback if this was a useful session. Please provide positive and negative feedback from this presentation to the FAASTeam CFI Workshop committee so we can continue to improve this program!

16. Quiz
Except as otherwise provided in 14 CFR 61.56, a person acting as PIC in an aircraft must …
Complete a flight review in the category and class of aircraft flown
Complete a flight review in an aircraft in which they are rated within the 24 months preceding the month in which they act as PIC.
Complete a flight review to the Practical Test Standards of their highest certificate held.
Demonstrate instrument competency if instrument privileges are held.

17. QUIZ
True or False
A flight review is not a test or a check ride but an instructional service designed to assess a pilot’s knowledge and skill

18. QUIZ A CFI planning a flight review should (select the best answer)
Allow the pilot to determine how it will be accomplished
Set precise performance standards and make sure the pilot knows what is expected
Set up scenarios that will test the pilot’s ability to handle unexpected emergencies
Collaborate with the pilot and ensure he or she understands and agrees with the objectives and standards being sought

19. QUIZ A flight review is an excellent opportunity for
a CFI to (select the best answer)
Review pilot decision making skills and provide instruction as necessary in how effective aeronautical decision making can help prevent accidents
Try out new instructional techniques
Get a general aviation pilot’s attention and remind him or her on how dangerous flying can be
Remind general aviation pilots they must pass a test every 2 years

20. QUIZ If a flight review can not be completed due to a pilot’s
unsatisfactory performance,
The CFI should inform the pilot that he or she is automatically grounded
The pilot must return to that CFI for further instruction
The CFI should contact a Designated Pilot Examiner or FAA Inspector for further direction
The CFI should debrief the pilot and provide specific feedback on his or her performance including suggestions on further instruction needed

21. ANSWERS
Except as otherwise provided in 14 CFR 61.56, a person acting as PIC in an aircraft must …
Complete a flight review in the category and class of aircraft flown
Complete a flight review in an aircraft in which they are rated within the 24 months preceding the month in which they act as PIC. (14 CFR 61.56)
Complete a flight review to the Practical Test Standards of their highest certificate held.
Demonstrate instrument competency if instrument privileges are held.

22. ANSWERS
True or False
A flight review is not a test or a check ride but an instructional service designed to assess a pilot’s knowledge and skill
(FAA-H A Appendix C Flight Reviews)

23. ANSWERS A CFI planning a flight review should (select the best answer)
Allow the pilot to determine how it will be accomplished
Set precise performance standards and make sure the pilot knows what is expected
Set up scenarios that will test the pilot’s ability to handle unexpected emergencies
Collaborate with the pilot and ensure he or she understands and agrees with the objectives and standards being sought (FAA-H A)

24. ANSWERS A flight review is an excellent opportunity for
a CFI to (select the best answer)
Review pilot decision making skills and provide instruction as necessary in how effective aeronautical decision making can help prevent accidents (FAA-H A)
Try out new instructional techniques
Get a general aviation pilot’s attention and remind him or her on how dangerous flying can be
Remind general aviation pilots they must pass a test every 2 years

25. ANSWERS
If a flight review can not be completed due to a pilot’s unsatisfactory performance, (select the best answer)
The CFI should inform the pilot that he or she is automatically grounded
The pilot must return to that CFI for further instruction
The CFI should contact a Designated Pilot Examiner or FAA Inspector for further direction
The CFI should debrief the pilot and provide specific feedback on his or her performance including suggestions on further instruction needed (AC-61-98A)

26. END OF CFI WORKSHOP MODULE 726