AC 61-98E

Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check (AC 61-98E)

Advisory Circular 61-98E provides guidance on pilot currency requirements and the flight review (formerly BFR) required every 24 calendar months under 14 CFR 61.56. It also covers the Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) requirements, WINGS program participation as an alternative to the flight review, and recommended review topics.

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Why This Document Matters

Every certificated pilot must complete a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months to act as pilot in command. This AC provides guidance for both pilots preparing for their flight review and instructors conducting one. It outlines the minimum requirements (1 hour ground, 1 hour flight), recommended topics, and how WINGS program participation can substitute for the flight review. For CFI candidates, understanding this AC is important because conducting flight reviews is one of the most common activities for a working flight instructor.

Study This Document in One Loop

What is the Study Loop?

A 30-60 minute scenario-first session that replaces hours of passive reading.

Stage 1

Scenario

Your flight review is due in 6 weeks. You've flown 20 hours since your last one, all local VFR. Your CFI suggests you just 'come fly an hour and do some stalls and landings' for the sign-off. You want to actually sharpen up — not just check the box.

Stage 2

Decision

What does AC 61-98 say the review MUST cover (ground + flight)? What's the minimum duration? What does a quality review look like vs. a pencil-whip?

Write your answer before you open the handbook. That exposes the gap.

Stage 3

Targeted Learning

Open only these sections of the AC 61-98E:

Chapter on Flight Review Requirements (1 hr ground + 1 hr flight minimum)
Chapter on Required Topics (current regs, best practices, maneuvers appropriate to cert)
Chapter on Endorsement (§61.56(a)(1)(2) — exact wording required)
Chapter on Alternative Means (WINGS, checkride, Part 141 course)

Stage 4

Debrief

Compare your Decision to what the handbook says:

?1 hr ground + 1 hr flight. Did your proposed plan actually hit both? Regulatory floor = not a ceiling.
?Required topics: Part 91 operating rules (current revisions), plus review of maneuvers/procedures. Does "stalls and landings" cover both?
?Endorsement: §61.56(a). Verbatim matters. Is your CFI writing the right one?
?Instrument Proficiency Check vs. flight review: when does an IPC substitute? What's the overlap?

Stage 5

Reinforcement

Turn your biggest miss into fast-recall rules:

Flight Review = 1 hr ground + 1 hr flight minimum. §61.56. Every 24 calendar months.
Quality > minimum. Pick your weakest area and let the review stress it.
WINGS phase completion can substitute for a flight review. Different process, same legal effect.

What Order to Read the AC 61-98E

Don't read by chapter number. Work the four phases. Start with whichever you're weakest in.

Survival Thinking

“What can hurt me?”

•Maneuvers you haven't done in 20 hours (they decay the fastest)

Interpretation

“What am I looking at?”

•Regulations updated since your last review (not your PPL training)

Prediction

“What will happen?”

•What personal minimums need to tighten based on your last year of flying

Checkride Mode

“Can I explain it under pressure?”

•Not a checkride — but treat it like one. Your CFI is evaluating you.

Chapter-by-Chapter Guide

What each section covers and the key topics to study

Flight Review Requirements

Regulatory basis, minimum requirements, and recommended content for the flight review.

Key Topics

24 calendar month requirement (14 CFR 61.56)Minimum 1 hour ground + 1 hour flightReview of Part 91 general operating rulesManeuvers at instructor discretion

Alternatives and WINGS Program

Ways to satisfy the flight review requirement including the WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program.

Key Topics

WINGS program phases as flight review substituteInstrument Proficiency CheckPractical test as flight review substituteMilitary pilot alternatives

Study Tips

Remember that a flight review is NOT a test — you cannot fail it. However, the instructor must endorse your logbook indicating you satisfactorily completed the review. If not satisfactory, no endorsement is given and you need additional training.
Know the WINGS alternative: completing a phase of the WINGS program satisfies the flight review requirement. This can be a more structured and ongoing approach to proficiency.
As a CFI candidate, be prepared to explain how you would conduct a flight review including what ground topics and flight maneuvers you would cover based on the pilot's experience and currency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need a flight review?

You must complete a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months to act as pilot in command. The review must include at least 1 hour of ground instruction and 1 hour of flight training. Other events can reset the clock, such as passing a practical test or completing a WINGS phase.

Can I fail a flight review?

Technically, you cannot 'fail' a flight review — it is not a test. However, if the instructor determines your performance is not satisfactory, they will not provide a logbook endorsement. Without the endorsement, you cannot exercise PIC privileges until you satisfactorily complete a flight review.

Quick Facts

Document ID: AC 61-98E
Last Updated: 2016
Cost: Free
Publisher: FAA

Applies To

PrivateInstrumentCommercialCFI

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