Advisory U.S. Department of Transportation Circular Federal Aviation Administration Subject: CURRENCY AND ADDITIONAL Date: 3/26/91 AC No: 61-98A QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Initiated by: AFS-840 Change:
FOR CERTIFICATED PILOTS
1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular (AC) provides information for certificated pilots and flight instructors to use in complying with the flight review required by Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) § 61.56, the recent flight experience requirements of FAR § 61.57, and the general limitations contained in FAR § 61.31(d),
(e), and (g). It also provides guidance regarding transition to other makes and models of aircraft.
2. FOCUS. This AC is particularly directed to general aviation pilots holding recreational or higher grades of pilot certificates who wish to maintain currency or to transition to other makes and models of aircraft for which they are rated, and to certificated flight instructors (CFT's) who will be giving flight instruction to support such
3. CANCELLATION. AC 61-98, Scope and Content of Biennial Flight Reviews, dated September 1, 1987, is cancelled. AC 60-12, Availability of Industry Developed Guidelines for the Conduct of the Biennial Flight Review, dated February 11, 1976, is also cancelled.
4. RELATED FAR SECTIONS. FAR § 61.193 (flight instructor authorizations), FAR § 61.195 (flight instructor limitations), FAR § 61.189 (flight instructor records).
5. RELATED READING MATERIAL.
Information regarding original pilot certification and addition of category, class, and type ratings can be found in AC 61-65, current edition, Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors.
Information on pilot transition courses and pilot refresher courses is covered in AC 61-9, current edition, Pilot Transition Courses for Complex Single-Engine and Light Twin-Engine Airplancs, and AC 61-10, current edition, Private and Commercial Pilots Refresher Courses, respectively.
Additional information on operation of high altitude aircraft is provided by AC 61-107, Operations of Aircraft at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet MSL and/or Mach Numbers (Mmo) Greater than .75. Guidance on advanced training criteria is located in AC 61-89, current edition, Pilot Certificates: Aircraft Type Ratings. Many excellent publications on pilot currency and qualification are available from commercial sources and industry trade associations, e.g., the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and the National Association of Flight Instructors. One such publication is announced in AC 61-103, Announcement of Availability:
Industry-Developed Transition Training Guidelines for High Performance Aircraft.
6. BACKGROUND.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated a regulatory review covering FAR Parts 61, 141, and 143 in order to ensure that these regulations conform to the current technological and operational environment and address future pilot certification needs. The last major review of
AC 61-98A all of these regulations took place in 1973, although major individual revisions, the most recent of which established the recreational pilot certificate, have been made since then.
(1) The initial phases of the regulatory review addressed regulations requiring priority action by the FAA as a result of National Transportation Safety Board recommendations and other factors. These recommendations addressed requirements such as the flight review required by FAR § 61.56. In a notice of proposed rulemaking the FAA proposed requiring pilots to satisfactorily complete a biennial flight review in each category and class of aircraft for which they were rated and for which they desired to exercise privileges.
(2) During public hearings conducted in the initial phases of the regulatory review, comments submitted were generally unfavorable with respect to the category and class requirement proposed for the flight review. Many comments cited a need for additional FAA guidance material regarding pilot certification and currency that would better enable the general aviation public to comply with present currency regulations and to tailor currency programs to individual pilot needs.
The comments also cited a need for increased uniformity in the conduct of currency programs.
b. In 1987, the FAA issued AC 61-98, Scope and Content of Biennial Flight Reviews. That AC provided additional information for pilots and flight instructors to use in accomplishing flight reviews, but did not address specific maneuvers and procedures which should be considered for various categories and classes of aircraft. In addition, AC 61-98 was not originally intended to cover other currency regulations or transition training requirements for pilots who were already certificated. The material previously contained in AC 61-98 is found in Chapter 1 of this AC.
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c. New topics covered in this AC not previously contained in AC 61-98 include: Recent Flight Experience, Instrument Competency Check, and Transition to other Makes and Models of Aircraft.
d. As a result of initiatives designed to encourage voluntary compliance with existing regulations and to maintain and further improve the general aviation safety record with a minimum of new regulations, the FAA has determined that additional advisory guidance is needed with respect to the currency and qualification needs of general aviation pilots. The guidance contained in this expanded version of AC 61-98 is designed to provide such information and accomplish the goals of the regulatory review with respect to the flight review and other currency requirements.
7. PERSONAL CURRENCY PROGRAM.
a. Pilots should consider designing currency program tailored to their operating environments and needs. In some cases, currency criteria may be integrated with normal operations to reduce the need for separate currency flights.
For example, additional takeoffs and landings or specialized takeoffs and landings (such as short or soft field) could be incorporated into a previously scheduled flight. In most cases, pilots should consider the need for currency beyond that specified by the FAR.
b. Pilots may wish to participate in the FAA's Pilot Proficiency Program and to attend pilot safety seminars conducted through the FAA Accident Prevention Program. There are also many excellent pamphlets and other presentations, including slide programs and video tapes, available through the Accident Prevention Program.
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AC 61-98 3/26/91
c. Pilots should explore the wide range of publications and other commercially-developed materials which are available for use in personal currency programs. To ensure staying up to date in regulatory changes and flying techniques, pilots should also regularly read aviation periodicals of their choice.
d. To obtain assistance in developing a personal currency program, pilots may consult a wide variety of sources. These sources include pilot examiners, pilot schools, individual CFI's, Accident Prevention Program Managers, and FAA- appointed Accident Prevention Counselors. For information regarding local sources, pilots should contact the FAA Accident Prevention Program Manager at the nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
Tracal Thomas C. Accardi Acting Director, Flight Standards Service Par 7 iii(and i
CONTENTS Page No.
CHAPTER 1. FLIGHT REVIEW
1. Structure and Intent of the Flight Review
2. Prereview Considerations
3. Planning and Recording the Review
4. Postreview Considerations Figure 1. Sample Format for Organizing the FAR Part 91 Review CHAPTER 2. RECENT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE 7
5. Recent General Experience 7
6. Recent IFR Experience 8 CHAPTER 3. INSTRUMENT COMPETENCY CHECK 9
7. Structuring a Competency Check
8. Instrument Competency Check - Knowledge Portion 10
9. Instrument Competency Check - Skill Portion 10
10. Postcheck Considerations and Recordkeeping 11 CHAPTER 4. TRANSITION TO OTHER MAKES AND MODELS OF AIRPLANES 13
11. General Limitations - High Performance Aircraft 13
12. Training Requirements - High Altitude Aircraft 13
13. Solo Operations in an Aircraft for which the Pilot Does Not Hold a Category and Class Rating 14
14. Exception of Experimental Aircraft from Category and Class Rating Requirements 15
15. Amateur-Built Aircraft and Surplus Military Aircraft 15
16. Tailwheel Aircraft 15 APPENDIX 1. FLIGHT REVIEW PLAN AND CHECKLIST (1 page) 1 APPENDIX 2. LIST OF FLIGHT REVIEW KNOWLEDGE, MANEUVERS, AND PROCEDURES (2 pages) .
APPENDIX 3. INSTRUMENT COMPETENCY CHECK PLAN (2 pages) APPENDIX 4. TRAINING PLAN FOR TRANSITION TO HIGH PERFORMANCE AIRPLANES (3 pages) .
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CHAPTER 1. FLIGHT REVIEW
1. STRUCTURE AND INTENT OF THE FLIGHT REVIEW. With the increasing complexity of the aviation operating environment, CFI's may want more specific guidance on how to structure and plan a flight review and develop contents which are tailored to the needs of the pilot being reviewed. The flight review is intended to be an industry-managed, FAA-monitored currency program. The CFI must be aware that the flight review is not a test or check ride, but an instructional service designed to assess a pilot's knowledge and skills.
a. Under FAR § 61.56(b) no person may act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft unless within the preceding 24 calendar months that person has accomplished a successful flight review in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated, given by an appropriately rated instructor or designated person. The objective of the flight review is to ensure that pilots who intend to act as PIC have the opportunity to ride with a flight instructor of their own choice within a specified period for an appraisal of their pilot proficiency and to seek assistance or guidance if any deficiency is identified.
b. Pilots and CFI's are reminded that, under FAR § 61.56(0), a person who has satisfactorily completed one or more phases of the FAA- sponsored Pilot Proficiency Award Program within the preceding 24 calendar months need not accomplish the flight review requirements of this CFT's should encourage pilots to participate in the FAA Pilot Proficiency Award Program (also known as the Wings Program), which is described in the current issue of AC 61-91, Pilot Proficiency Award Program.
c. Also, pilots and CFT's should be aware that, under FAR § 61.56(e), pilots who have completed certain proficiency checks and ratings within the 24-month review period are not required to accomplish a separate.. flight review.
accomplishments include satisfactory completion of pilot proficiency checks conducted by the FAA, an approved pilot check airman, or a U.S. Armed Force for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege. However, the FAA recommends that pilots consider also accomplishing a review under some of these circumstances. For example, a pilot with an airplane single-engine land rating may have recently obtained a glider rating, but may still wish to consider obtaining a flight review in a single-engine airplane if the appropriate 24-month period has nearly expired. When approached by pilots seeking advice on such matters, CFI's should consider the factors described in the following paragraphs.
2. PREREVIEW CONSIDERATIONS. Before undertaking the review the CFI should interview the pilot to determine the nature of his or her flying and operating requirements. Elements to consider should include, but not be limited to, the following areas:
a. Type of Equipment Flown.
maneuvers and procedures reviewed will vary depending on the category, class, and make and model of aircraft used. For example, a review in a light twin-engine aircraft should be different from one conducted in a small, two-seat tailwheel aircraft without radio or extra instrumentation. The CFI may wish to recommend that the pilot take the review in the aircraft usually flown, or in the most complex make and model used if several aircraft Chap 1 Par 1 1
AC 61-98A are flown regularly. The CFI may also wish to recommend that the pilot take a review in more than one category/class of aircraft under certain circumstances. For example, a pilot with airplane single-engine land and glider ratings may have flown only gliders in the last 2 years but is also contemplating flying single-engine airplanes in the near future. If a CFI is approached by a pilot who requests a review only in the glider, the CFI may wish to recommend an additional review by a qualified person in a single-engine airplane before the pilot acts as PIC of a single-engine airplane.
b. Nature of Flight Operations. The CFI should consider the type of flying usually done by the pilot before establishing the review plan for conducting his or her review. For example, a pilot conducting long-distance flights between busy terminal areas may need a different review than a pilot who usually flies in the local area from the same airport. The CFI should consider the need for an indepth review of certain subjects or procedures if the type of flight operations is likely to change or if other extenuating circumstances exist. For example, a pilot who normally conducts only local flight operations may be planning to begin flying to a location with a Terminal Control Area (TCA). Another pilot may only operate a two-seat aircraft without radio but will operate in close proximity to a TCA. In both cases, the CFI should include TCA requirements and operating procedures in the flight review.
Amount and Recency of Flight Experience. The CFI should review the pilot's logbook to determine total flight time and type and recency of experience in order to evaluate the need for particular maneuvers and procedures in the review. For example, 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 grade of certificate. This same pilot may also require a more extensive review of FAR Part 91, including 3/26/91 recent changes in airspace and other requirements.
Another pilot who is upgrading to a newer or faster airplane should receive more emphasis on knowledge of aircraft systems and performance or in cross-country procedures appropriate to a faster airplane. Regardless of flight experience, the CFI should ensure that the review plan includes all areas in which he or she determines that the pilot should receive training in order to operate safely.
In some cases, the CFI may wish to recommend that the pilot undertake a complete refresher program such as those included in the current issue of AC 61-10, Private and Commercial Pilots Refresher Courses.
d. Agreement on Conduct of Review. After completing the above analysis, the CFI should review these considerations with the pilot and reach an understanding regarding how the review will be conducted. The CFI may wish to provide the pilot with reading materials or recommend publications for study before actually undertaking the flight review. The CFI should also review the criteria for satisfactory completion of the review with the pilot.
e. Instructor Qualifications. Instructors should also consider their own experience and qualifications in a given make and model aircraft prior to giving a review in that model. The CFI conducting a flight review must hold a category, class, and, if appropriate, type rating on his or her pilot certificate. Also, the instructor must have a category and class rating on his or her flight instructor certificate appropriate to the aircraft in which the review is to be conducted. Flight reviews conducted in multiengine airplanes must be conducted by flight instructors who hold an airplane multiengine rating on their pilot and flight instructor certificates. For aircraft in which the CFI is not current or with which he or she is not familiar, recent flight experience or sufficient knowledge of aircraft limitations, characteristics, and performance should be obtained before giving Chap 1 Par 2
3/26/91 the review. In any case, the rating limitations of FAR § 61.195(b) should be observed.
3. PLANNING AND RECORDING THE REVIEW. After reaching agreement on how the review will be conducted, the CFI should prepare a plan for completing the review. The plan should include a list of regulatory subjects to be covered, the maneuvers and procedures to be accomplished, the anticipated sequence in which the segments will occur, and the location where the review will be performed. A suggested plan format can be found in Appendix 1. Although not required by FAR § 61.189, the CFI may wish to retain this plan for an appropriate time period as a record of the scope and content of the review.
a. Review of FAR Part 91 Operating and Flight Rules. The CFI should tailor the review of general operating and flight rules to the needs of the pilot being reviewed. The objective is to ensure that the pilot can comply with all regulatory requirements and operate safely in various types of airspace under an appropriate range of weather conditions. As a result, the instructor should conduct a review that is broad enough to meet this objective, yet provide more comprehensive review in those areas in which the pilot's knowledge is weaker. In the latter instance, the instructor may wish to employ a variety of reference sources, such as the Airman's Information Manual, to ensure that the pilot's knowledge meets current standards.
b. The occurrence of incidents and pilot deviations in controlled airspace has emphasized the need to ensure that all pilots are familiar with TCA's, Airport Radar Service Areas, and other types of airspace. The flight review may be the only regular proficiency and recurrency training experienced by some pilots. Therefore, instructors should place appropriate emphasis on this part of the review.
Chap 1 Par 2 AC 61-98A
c. Pilots and CFI's should note that a total revision and reorganization of FAR Part 91 became effective on August 18, 1990. Figure 1, page 5, may provide a useful format for organizing the FAR Part 91 review and ensuring that essential areas are covered. The review should be expanded in those areas where the pilot's knowledge is less
d. Review of Maneuvers and Procedures.
(1) The maneuvers and procedures covered during the review are those which, in the opinion of the CFI conducting the review, are necessary for the pilot to perform in order to demonstrate that he or she can safely exercise the privileges of his or her pilot certificate.
Accordingly, the instructor should evaluate the pilot's skills and knowledge to the extent necessary to ensure that he or she can safely operate within regulatory requirements throughout a wide range of conditions.
(2) The instructor may wish to prepare a preliminary plan for the flight review based on an interview or other assessment of the pilot's qualifications and skills. A sequence of maneuvers should be outlined to the pilot taking the review.
For example, this may include a flight to the practice area or to another airport with maneuvers accomplished while en route. It could also include a period of simulated instrument flight time. The instructor should request that the pilot conduct whatever preflight preparation is necessary to complete the planned flight. This could include checking weather, calculating required runway lengths, calculating weight and balance, completing a flight log, filing a flight plan, and conducting the preflight inspection.
(3) Before commencing the flight portion of the review, the instructor should discuss various
operational areas with the pilot. This oral review 4. POSTREVIEW CONSIDERATIONS. Upon should include, but not be limited to, areas such as completion of the review, the instructor should aircraft systems, speeds, and performance; complete the Flight Review Plan and Checklist (if meteorological and other hazards (e.g., windshear used) and debrief the pilot. Whether or not the and wake turbulence); and operations in controlled review was satisfactory, the instructor should airspace (e.g., TCA's). The emphasis during the provide the pilot with a comprehensive analysis of discussion should be on practical knowledge of his or her performance, including suggestions for recommended procedures and regulatory improving any weak areas.
requirements.
(4) Regardless of the pilot's experience, the instructor may wish to review at least those maneuvers considered critical to safe flight, such as stalls, slow flight, and takeoffs and landings.
Based on his or her in-flight assessment of the pilot's skills, the instructor may wish to add other maneuvers from the PTS appropriate to the pilot's grade of certificate.
(5) The in-flight review need not be limited to evaluation purposes. The instructor may provide additional instruction in weak areas or, based on mutual agreement with the pilot, defer this instruction to a followup flight.
(6) To assist CFI's in selecting maneuvers and procedures critical to safe flight, a list of maneuvers for various categories and classes of aircraft is included in Appendix 2. It must be emphasized that this list should not be considered all-inclusive or intended to limit a CFI's discretion in selecting appropriate maneuvers and procedures.
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.
Satisfactory Completion of the Review.
When the applicant has successfully completed the review, the pilot's logbook must be endorsed by the person who gave the review, certitying that the
(7) Consistent with the need to include pilot has satisfactorily accomplished the flight critical maneuvers, the CFI should construct a review. The endorsement for a satisfactory review review sequence which closely duplicates a typical should be in accordance with the current issue of profile for the pilot who will receive the review. AC 61-65.
Chap 1 4 Par 3
Subpart Description Remarks General All pilots Flight Rules (General) All pilots Visual Flight Rules All pilots Instrument Flight Rules If applicable (example - Instrument rated pilot) C Equipment, Instrument, and All pilots Certificate Requirements D Special Flight Operations If applicable (example - pilot involved in glider towing operations) E Maintenance, Preventive All pilots Maintenance, and Alterations F Large and Turbine-Powered If applicable (note - Multiengine Airplanes pilot may be subject to requirements of FAR § 61.58) G Additional Equipment and Op- If applicable (see note - erating Requirements for Subpart F) Large and Transport Category Aircraft Foreign Aircraft Operations and If applicable (example - flights Operations of U.S. Registered to Canada or Mexico) Civil Aircraft Outside of the United States Operating Noise Limits If applicable (example - agricultural aircraft pilot) J Waivers If applicable (example - pilot involved in airshows) Figure 1. Sample Format for Organizing the FAR Part 91 Review Chap 1 Par 4 5(and 6)