How to Stay Current
It takes more than just logging hours to stay sharp
WHEN IT COMES TO maintaining pilot currency, the FAA uses lots of
words to set a standard in FAR 61. 57. But if you fly only for your own
reasons in an airplane that does not require a type rating, that long,
wordy rule isn’t very restrictive or instructive.
The fundamental currency requirement that no pilot can escape
is FAR 61. 56, which requires a flight review at a minimum of every
two years. Most of us still call this the “biennial,” but the FAA has
moved away from that term.
The flight review can be given by a CFI
and must include at least one hour each of
review of rules and procedures on the
ground and an hour of flying. The topics and
maneuvers covered in the review are at the
discretion of the CFI. Also, any other type of
FAA-approved flight review in an airplane or
a simulator qualifies. For example, if you add
