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)
CHAPTER 2. RECENT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
5. RECENT GENERAL EXPERIENCE. The minimum requirements for recent flight experience, specifically takeoffs and landings, in each category and class of aircraft in order to act as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers are specified in FAR § 61.57(c) and (d).
a. The requirements specified in FAR § 61.57(c) and (d) should be regarded as minimums which need to be adjusted for various factors such as overall pilot experience, different operating environments, complexity of the facilities used, and variations in makes and models of aircraft within specific categories and classes. For example, a pilot may meet recent flight experience in a given make and model of aircraft but may have operated only in light or moderate wind conditions from airports with long runways. The pilot should consider acquiring additional takeoff and landing experience in stronger wind conditions or at airports with short runways before acting as PIC of an aircraft carrying passengers in similar conditions. Under some circumstances the change in the customary operating environment may be great enough that the pilot should seek flight instruction or refresher training before attempting even solo operations.
b. With regard to basic currency and recent fught experience, there are many excellent sources of information available to pilots who wish to enhance currency under a variety of conditions.
For example, the FAA's Back-to-Basics program provides excellent written and video materials on takeoffs, landings, and other critical flight maneuvers. Attendance at FAA-sponsored seminars will effectively aid pilots in maintaining currency.
Night currency requirements deserve additional consideration. For example, the night experience of most pilots is only a small portion of their total flight experience. The impact of marginal weather conditions on night operations is so significant that pilots should anticipate the need for both increased currency and additional planning when contemplating flights under unfavorable conditions at night.
Special considerations apply to the operation of aircraft makes and models other than those customarily flown by a pilot. Analysis of accident data has shown that accident rates increase for pilots with little or no time-in-type in the aircraft flown. Additional experience requirements for operating high performance aircraft are specified in FAR § 61.31(e) and are discussed in Chapter 4 of this AC. For non-high performance small aircraft, basic currency requirements of FAR § 61.57(c) and (d) apply only to category and For example, a pilot who meets the requirement in a Cessna 152 would also meet the requirement in a Cessna 172. The FAA recommends that pilots obtain currency in each separate make and model before conducting passenger-carrying operations. For experienced pilots, this currency should include familiarity with the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), and/or any other available information on that aircraft. The FAA recommends that all pilots obtain a comprehensive checkout in each make and model aircraft from an appropriately rated CFI.
e. Considerations regarding basic currency apply not only to single-engine land airplanes but to other categories and classes of aircraft, including seaplanes, gliders, helicopters, gyroplanes, and free balloons.
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AC 61-98A
6. RECENT IFR EXPERIENCE. The minimum currency requirements to act as PIC under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), or in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for Visual Flight Rules (VFR), are specified in FAR § 61.57(e)(1). These requirements must have been accomplished within the preceding 6 calendar months.
a. If a pilot has not accomplished the minimum IFR currency requirements within the preceding 6 calendar months, he or she may not act as PIC under IFR, nor in weather conditions less than prescribed for VFR. The pilot may, however, reacquire currency if he or she completes the minimum number of hours and instrument approaches, under simulated IFR conditions only, within the next 6 months. Three of the 6 required hours and the six required approaches may be done under the supervision of an authorized instructor in 3/26/91 a simulator or ground trainer that meets the requirements of FAR § 141.41(a)(2).
b. Additionally if a pilot has not accomplished minimum IFR currency requirements within the preceding 12 calendar months, FAR § 61.57(e) (2) states that he or she may not serve as PIC under IFR, nor in weather conditions less than the minimums prescribed for VFR, until he or she passes an instrument competency check in the category of aircraft involved (see Chapter 3).
c. Pilots should consider the minimum currency requirements of FAR § 61.57(e)(1) to be the foundation for a comprehensive currency program that will enable them to safely operate under IFR in the National Airspace System with weather, air traffic activity, and operating conditions appropriate to their experience levels.
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CHAPTER 3. INSTRUMENT COMPETENCY CHECK
7. STRUCTURING A COMPETENCY CHECK. FAR § 61.57(e)(2) notes the conditions under which an instrument competency check must be obtained, but does not define the meaning of this check or suggest its content. Accordingly, pilots and CFI's may wish to use the following guidance in complying with this requirement.
a. FAR. § 61.57(e) (2) states that the competency check must be given by an FAA inspector, a member of the armed forces of the United States authorized to conduct flight tests, an FAA-approved check pilot, or a certificated instrument flight instructor. If given by a CFI in a single-engine airplane, the CFI should hold an instrument airplane rating on his or her instructor certificate. If given in a multiengine airplane, the CFI should hold both instrument airplane and airplane multiengine ratings on his or her instructor certificate. A check in a helicopter should be given by a CPI holding an instrument helicopter rating on his or her instructor certificate. These prerequisites are necessary to conform to the requirements of FAR §§ 61.193 (a) and 61.195(b), and to ensure that the CFI has qualifications appropriate to the category and class of aircraft.
For example, a comprehensive instrument competency check in a multiengine airplane should require demonstration of engine-out procedures, which would necessitate a CFI with both multiengine and instrument ratings on his or her instructor certificate.
b. In addition to having the appropriate instructor ratings, the CFI should consider other factors relating to his or her ability to conduct an instrument competency check. These include the factors discussed for the flight review as well as the instructor's own instrument currency.
Part or all of the check may be conducted in a simulator or an approved ground trainer that meets the requirements of FAR § 141.41(a)(2). If given in a ground trainer, that trainer must be specifically approved for such use, in writing, by the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) having jurisdiction over the geographic area where the ground trainer is used. Pilots or CFI's contemplating use of such a device for an instrument competency check should contact their local FSDO's.
d. Precheck Considerations. The CFI should structure an instrument competency check in a manner similar to that of the flight review, tailoring the check to the needs of the pilot, reaching mutual agreement on the scope of the check, and developing a plan for accomplishing it.
(1) The CFI and pilot should discuss the operating conditions under which the check will be conducted. If the check is conducted in an airplane, the check may be under VFR or IFR in simulated instrument conditions, or it may be under IFR in actual instrument conditions. If the check is conducted under IFR, whether conditions are simulated or actual, the CFI should ensure that the aircraft meets all FAR Part 91 requirements for operating under IFR. Additionally, if the pilot receiving the check is no longer current under IFR, the CFI should be aware that he or she will be the pilot in command during the flight and must meet IFR currency requirements. The CFI should also discuss crewmember roles and responsibilities with the pilot.
(2) Since no standards have been established for satisfactory completion of an instrument competency check, the CFI and the pilot should discuss the standards under which successful completion will be measured. The Chap 3 Par 7 9
AC 61-98A primary reference for this discussion should be the instrument rating PTS.
(3) Following completion of the discussion, the CFI should prepare a plan for conducting the check. The plan should list the anticipated sequence in which the procedures will occur and the location where they will be performed. A sample plan for conducting the competency check is contained in Appendix 3.
8. INSTRUMENT COMPETENCY CHECK - KNOWLEDGE PORTION.
a. The CFI should determine that the pilot has adequate knowledge and understanding of FAR Part 91, especially Subpart B, Instrument Flight Rules; Subpart C, Equipment, Instrument, and Certificate Requirements; and Subpart E, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, and Alterations.
b. Additionally, the CFI should determine that the pilot has adequate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:
(1) Instrument en route and approach chart interpretation, including Standard Instrument Departures (SID) and Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STAR).
(2) Obtaining and analyzing weather information, including knowledge of hazardous weather phenomena.
(3) Preflight planning, including aircraft performance data, application of Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) information, fuel requirements, alternate requirements, and use of appropriate FAA publications such as the Airport/Facility Directory.
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(4) Aircraft systems related to IFR operations, including appropriate operating methods, limitations, and emergency procedures due to equipment failure.
(5) Aircraft flight instruments and navigation equipment, including characteristics, limitations, operating techniques, and emergency procedures due to malfunction or failure, such as lost communications procedures.
(6) Determining the airworthiness status of the aircraft for instrument flight, including required inspections and documents.
(7) Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures pertinent to flight under IFR with emphasis on elements of ATC clearances and pilot/controller responsibilities.
c. Following discussion of the above subjects, the CFI should ask the pilot to prepare for the skill portion of the competency check by completing the necessary flight planning, obtaining current weather data, filing a flight plan, and conducting the preflight inspection. in order to more fully evaluate the pilot's skills under normal operating conditions, the CFI may wish to have the pilot conduct a short IFR cross-country flight in conjunction with the rest of the competency check.
9. INSTRUMENT COMPETENCY CHECK - SKILL PORTION.
The maneuvers and procedures selected for the instrument competency check should be comprehensive enough to enable the CFI to determine that the pilot can safely operate under IFR in a broad range of conditions appropriate to the aircraft flown and the ATC environment selected. Proper adherence to ATC clearances should be especially emphasized.
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