Definition
A flight review is a regulatory requirement under 14 CFR Part 61.56 that mandates all certificated pilots complete a review of their knowledge and flying skills with an authorized instructor at least once every 24 calendar months. The review must include a minimum of one hour of ground training covering the current general operating and flight rules of Part 91, and a minimum of one hour of flight training that demonstrates the pilot's competency in maneuvers and procedures the instructor considers necessary based on the pilot's certificate level and recent flying activity. The flight review is not a test or check ride — there is no pass or fail. However, the instructor must be satisfied that the pilot demonstrates safe and competent flying before endorsing the logbook. If the instructor is not satisfied, they decline to sign off the review, and the pilot must seek additional training before attempting the review again. The pilot's logbook endorsement serves as the official record that the flight review has been completed. For flight schools, flight reviews represent a steady stream of business beyond primary training. Certificated pilots who are not actively training still need a flight review every two years, and many prefer to return to a familiar school for the evaluation. Schools that actively market and schedule flight reviews can maintain relationships with alumni and generate recurring revenue from their existing customer base.
Why It Matters for Flight Schools
Flight review currency is a common compliance trap for occasional pilots. A pilot whose flight review lapses cannot legally act as pilot in command until completing a new review, even if they hold a current medical certificate and are otherwise qualified. Flight schools and instructors often encounter pilots who are unaware their review has expired, creating both a safety concern and a customer service opportunity. The scope and depth of a flight review varies significantly based on instructor judgment. A pilot who flies regularly and recently completed instrument proficiency training may receive a streamlined review, while a pilot returning after years of inactivity may need several hours of ground and flight training before the instructor is comfortable endorsing the review. This variability makes flight review scheduling less predictable than standard lesson blocks.
How Aviatize Handles This
Aviatize tracks flight review expiration dates for pilots in the system and can send automated reminders as the 24-month deadline approaches. This proactive outreach helps flight schools re-engage alumni and occasional pilots before their currency lapses, driving return bookings and maintaining customer relationships. The platform's scheduling module accommodates the variable-length nature of flight reviews, allowing instructors to book flexible time blocks that can be extended if additional training is needed. Completion records are logged digitally, providing both the school and the pilot with a reliable audit trail of review dates and instructor endorsements.