9b - 61.56 Flight Review

Lesson Objective

To assure that all Club members are fully compliant with the regulatory requirements (q.v.) for flight reviews, including biennial flight and ground training as appropriate to the member's ratings and status. 

Regulatory Requirement

• §61.56 (No pilot may act as pilot in command without being in compliance with this regulation.)

Content

Review of general operating and flight rules of CFR 14 FAR 91; a review of maneuvers and procedures that, at the discretion of the CFI providing the review, are necessary for the safe exercise of the privileges of the member's certificate.

It must include one hour of ground instruction covering part 91. The contents of the ground instruction are up to the instructor to decide.

It must also include one hour of flight instruction. If one hour of flight instruction is not practical, glider pilots may substitute at least three flights "to pattern altitude".

Pilots who hold a current CFI rating and who have satisfactorily completed a renewal of a flight instructor certificate under the provisions in §61.197 need are exempt from the one hour of ground instruction, as per 61.56(f). 

Completion Standards

The completion standards are at the discretion of the flight instructor providing the review.

Required Sign-offs for Flight Review

After the successful completion of the flight review, the instructor will indicate so with a logbook endorsement.  Below is a sample sign-off with text taken from FAA Advisory Circular 61-65G. The flight review is only valid for pilots possessing an airman rating with the glider category. 

• Endorsement of successful 61.56 Flight Review, AC 61-65J Endorsement A.65

  Completion of a flight review: section §61.56(a) and (c). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has satisfactorily completed a flight review of § 61.56(a) on [date].

NOTE: No logbook entry reflecting unsatisfactory performance on a flight review is required. Simply log instruction received in this circumstance. 

WINGS Credit for Flight Review

It is possible to receive WINGS credit after successfully completing a flight review. However, more training is required than the minimum flight review as described in 14 CFR 61.56(a). The full details for the additional requirements are in the WINGS Activity named: "APT-Glider Flight Review" . 

To earn this Phase of WINGS the airmen under review must successfully accomplish the following:

• Complete 3 hours of Ground Training noted in the credits above based on the materials and guidance listed in the Glider Pilot Practical Test Standards and Advisory Circular 61-98D
• Demonstrate Proficiency in the Flight Topics noted in the credits above based on the materials and guidance listed
• Endorsement after completing a phase of WINGS , AC 61-65J Endorsement A.66
  

  Completion of any phase of an FAA-sponsored Pilot Proficiency Program (WINGS): § 61.56(e). I certify that [First name, MI, Last name], [grade of pilot certificate], [certificate number], has satisfactorily completed Level: [Basic/Advanced/Master, as appropriate], PHASE NO. [..] OF A WINGS PROGRAM ON [DATE].

Prerequisite Study

• 14 CFR §61.56
• Review 14 CFR part 91, Emphasizing on these regs:
  • 14 CFR 91.7 Civil aircraft airworthiness
  • 14 CFR 91.9 Civil aircraft flight manual, marking, and placard requirements.
  • 14 CFR 91.13 Careless or reckless operation.
  • 14 CFR 91.15 Dropping objects.
  • 14 CFR 91.17 Alcohol or drugs.
  • 14 CFR 91.103 Preflight action.
  • 14 CFR 91.111 Operating near other aircraft.
  • 14 CFR 91.113 Right-of-way rules: Except water operations.
  • 14 CFR 91.161 Special awareness training required for pilots flying under visual flight rules within a 60-nautical mile radius of the Washington, DC VOR/DME.
  • 14 CFR 91.211 Supplemental oxygen.
  • 14 CFR 91.126 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace.
  • 14 CFR 91.225 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out equipment and use.
  • 14 CFR 91.303 Aerobatic flight.
  • 14 CFR 91.307 Parachutes and parachuting.
  • 14 CFR 91.309 Towing: Gliders and unpowered ultralight vehicles.
  • 14 CFR 91.319 Aircraft having experimental certificates: Operating limitations.

Recommended Study

• "Glider BFR And Spring Checkout ", by Bob Wander
• Advisory Circular 61-98D Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check