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3 Answers

Is a flight review required for a private pilot working on a rating?

Asked by: 4166 views FAA Regulations, Instrument Rating, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

FAR 61.56 (g) states, "A student pilot need not accomplish the flight review required by this section provided the student pilot is undergoing training for a certificate and has a current solo flight endorsement as required under §61.87 of this part."

My question is, does a private pilot working towards an instrument rating count as a student pilot for flight review purposes? If it's been over 24 calendar months since obtaining their private pilot license or completing their last flight review, but they are in the process of obtaining a different rating, do they still need to complete a flight review before continuing on any more flights?

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3 Answers



  1. Gary Moore on Nov 11, 2013

    Nope – you’d still need the flight review – but I’m guessing the flight instructor (if you are actively training) would be more than willing to sign off your flight review….

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  2. John D Collins on Nov 11, 2013

    If you don’t have a current flight review required by 61.56, then you may not act as PIC. This in no way limits receiving dual instruction. You may also log PIC if you are the sole manipulator of the controls and are rated in the category and class of aircraft. You may not make a solo flight or act as the PIC, so there must be a qualified pilot on the aircraft who can act as PIC, since you are unable to.

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  3. Sam Dawson on Nov 11, 2013

    The issue will arise when you try to take your check ride- you must be legal to act as PIC.
    If you are doing instrument training I see no reason your CFI can not incorporate your flight review into the training. I am quite certain you have had more than an hour of ground and flight training… or at least you should have.

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