Flight Reviews & IPCs

Stay Sharp, Stay Safe, Stay Legal

Every active pilot knows the drill: to keep your privileges, you must complete a Flight Review (formerly known as the Biennial Flight Review or BFR) every 24 calendar months. But “staying legal” should be the bare minimum.

As an active instructor in Los Angeles, I view the Flight Review as an opportunity to knock off the rust, learn new techniques, and ensure you are truly ready for the unique challenges of Southern California airspace. We won’t just check a box; we will make you a safer, more capable pilot.

What to Expect: The Flight Review Process

Per 14 CFR § 61.56, the FAA requires a minimum of 1 hour of ground training and 1 hour of flight training. However, we will tailor the length and content to your specific experience level and the type of flying you do.

1. Ground Instruction (The “Mental Airplane”)

We will sit down and review the essential knowledge that keeps you out of trouble:

• Part 91 Regulations: A refresher on the “rules of the road” and any recent regulatory changes.

• Airspace & Charts: Navigating the complex Los Angeles Class Bravo and surrounding airspace.

• Weather & Decision Making: Advanced discussion on personal minimums, risk management (PAVE/IMSAFE), and interpreting modern weather products.

2. Flight Training (The “Physical Airplane”)

We will head to the aircraft to verify your stick-and-rudder skills and emergency procedures.

• Maneuvers: Reviewing steep turns, stalls, and ground reference maneuvers.

• Takeoffs & Landings: Polishing your crosswind technique and short-field operations.

• Emergency Procedures: Realistic engine-out scenarios and system failure management.

*Note: If you have completed a new rating or checkride in the last 24 months, you may already be exempt from needing a flight review!

Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPC)

Are you an instrument-rated pilot who has fallen out of currency? If you haven’t met your “6-6-HIT” requirements (6 approaches, holding, and intercepting/tracking in the last 6 months), you need an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) to get back in the clouds.

My IPCs are scenario-based. We will file real flight plans, shoot approaches at different airports, and get your scan back to precision standards.

Why Do Your Review with Me?

• No Stress Environment: This is training, not a checkride. You cannot “fail” a flight review; we simply train until you are proficient.

• Tailored Scenarios: Do you want to practice flying to Catalina Island? Want to get comfortable with the Mini-Route? We can build your review around a fun, real-world mission.

• Wings Program Credit: I can validate credits for the FAA WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program, which can satisfy your flight review requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I fail a Flight Review?

No. It is not a pass/fail test. If you do not meet the proficiency standards after the first flight, we will simply log it as “dual instruction” and continue training until you are ready for the endorsement.

Do I need to fly my own plane?

You can fly your own aircraft or rent one. If we fly in your aircraft, it is a great opportunity to get specific instruction on your avionics and systems.

How do I prepare?

The best way to save time (and money) is to arrive prepared. Review Part 91 regulations and airspace rules beforehand. I can provide a study guide to help you brush up before we meet.

Get Back in the Left Seat

Whether you are just a few weeks overdue or haven’t flown in years, let’s get you back in the air safely.