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The Biennial Flight Review

The airlines have figured it out. The military has figured it out. Most corporate flight departments have figured it out, and so has the FAA. Recurrent flight training saves lives.

In order to "encourage" pilots to get this recurrant training, the FAA will not permit you to act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of an airplane unless you have, within the previous 24 months:

  • Passed a checkride for a new Pilot Certificate,
  • Completed a phase of the WINGS program, or
  • Successfully completed a Flight Review.

Haven't flown in a while?

One of the nice things about having a pilot certificate is it never expires. Even after five, ten, twenty or more years. But, how do you get yourself current to fly?

To a certain extent, flying is like riding a bicycle - it will just come back. Other things (such as the regulations) may have changed. At Sanford Air, we're ready to customize a program that will get you back into the air in safety and style.
What is involved in a Flight Review?

A flight review involves two parts - flight and ground.

    The ground portion of a BFR involves at least an hour of discussion about flight planning, the regulations, airspace and other topics. This is a great place to find the answers to those questions that have been bothering you.

    The flight portion will typically involve some airwork, some takeoff and landings, and some emergency procedures. It's also a good time to exercise those skills that you might not have used in a while, such as operating at a towered airport or different types of navigation.

What a Flight Review Isn't.

Before an instructor can sign you off as having completed a Biennial Flight Review, he or she needs to be confident that you are a safe pilot, and have the skills needed to operate an airplane legally and safely.

That being said, a BFR is not a checkride. It's an opportunity for you to learn a bit, maybe clean up some rusty areas, and build your confidence.

Other Options.

There are other ways in which you can fufill this requirement. These include the FAA WINGS program, or obtaining a new rating. Perhaps it's time to grow your skills by obtaining an instrument rating, a commercial rating, or even a multi-engine rating.

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