Flight Reviews: Stay Current, Confident, and Safe in the Cockpit
If you’re a private pilot, commercial pilot, or recreational pilot, staying proficient in the cockpit is one of the most important parts of being a safe aviator. One of the best ways to maintain your skills, review important procedures, and stay comfortable flying is through a flight review.
A flight review is more than simply checking a box to stay legal. It’s an opportunity to work with a qualified flight instructor, refresh your knowledge, sharpen your flying skills, and identify areas where additional training could make you a safer and more confident pilot.
At Arizona Airborne, we provide personalized flight reviews for pilots in the Chandler and greater Phoenix area, helping pilots maintain proficiency while building confidence in the airplane.
What Is a Flight Review?
A flight review is an evaluation and instructional session with a certificated flight instructor (CFI). Under 14 CFR §61.56, pilots generally must complete a flight review every 24 calendar months to act as pilot in command, unless they meet one of the FAA's alternative requirements for recent proficiency.
The flight review typically includes:
A review of applicable regulations and operating procedures
A discussion of aircraft systems and limitations
Preflight planning
Normal and abnormal operating procedures
Takeoffs and landings
Airwork and maneuvering
Emergency procedures
Any additional areas the CFI believes would benefit the pilot
A flight review is not a checkride. The goal isn't to "pass" or "fail." Instead, the flight instructor works with you to evaluate your current proficiency and provide instruction where needed.
Why Should You Take a Flight Review?
Even experienced pilots can become rusty.
If you haven't flown regularly, certain skills—particularly landings, emergency procedures, navigation, radio communications, and instrument-related tasks—can become less comfortable over time.
A flight review gives you an opportunity to get back into the cockpit with an experienced instructor before those skill gaps become problems.
1. Maintain Your FAA Currency
For many pilots, completing a flight review is an important part of remaining eligible to act as pilot in command.
Keeping track of your flight review date is your responsibility as a pilot. Don't wait until the last minute to find an instructor and schedule your review.
2. Refresh Your Flying Skills
A flight review is a great opportunity to revisit maneuvers and procedures you may not have practiced recently.
Depending on your experience and goals, your CFI may work with you on:
Steep turns
Slow flight
Stall recognition and recovery
Emergency procedures
Short- and soft-field operations
Crosswind landings
Navigation
Performance planning
Airspace procedures
The review can be tailored to your individual experience and the airplane you're flying.
3. Build Confidence
Maybe you've taken some time away from flying. Maybe you've recently purchased an airplane. Or perhaps you simply don't feel as comfortable in the cockpit as you once did.
A flight review can be an excellent way to rebuild confidence.
Instead of jumping back into flying alone, you can work with an instructor who can provide guidance, feedback, and additional practice where necessary.
4. Identify Areas for Improvement
One of the biggest benefits of a flight review is having another experienced pilot observe your flying.
Your CFI may notice things you don't recognize yourself—whether it's a tendency during landings, inconsistent airspeed control, radio technique, checklist usage, or aircraft handling.
The goal isn't criticism. It's improvement.
A good flight review should leave you with a better understanding of your strengths and the areas where additional practice could make you a more capable pilot.
How Often Do You Need a Flight Review?
Under FAA regulations, a flight review is generally required every 24 calendar months for pilots who want to continue exercising the privileges of their pilot certificate.
However, completing a flight review doesn't mean you should only fly with an instructor once every two years.
Regular proficiency flights, recurrent training, instrument practice, and additional instruction can help you remain comfortable and prepared throughout the year.
Think of your flight review as a minimum opportunity to evaluate your skills—not a maximum.
What Should You Bring to a Flight Review?
Before your flight review, make sure you have everything you need for a productive training session.
Consider bringing:
Your pilot certificate
Government-issued photo identification
Medical certificate or BasicMed documentation, if applicable
Logbook
Current charts or electronic flight information
Aircraft documents and checklists
Any personal notes or questions you'd like to discuss
If you're completing the review in your own aircraft, make sure the airplane is properly maintained and that required documents and inspections are current.
Can a Flight Review Be Customized?
Absolutely.
Every pilot has different experience, goals, and areas that deserve attention. A flight review for a pilot who flies every week may look very different from one for a pilot who hasn't flown in several months.
At Arizona Airborne, we can tailor your flight review around your experience and flying goals.
For example, you may want to focus on:
Returning to Flying:
Get comfortable in the cockpit again after an extended break.
Aircraft Familiarization:
Become proficient in a new aircraft after purchasing or transitioning into a different airplane.
Cross-Country Flying:
Review navigation, flight planning, airspace, weather considerations, and diversion procedures.
Takeoffs and Landings:
Improve consistency and confidence, particularly with crosswind or short-field operations.
Emergency Procedures:
Review engine failures, emergency descents, forced landings, and other abnormal situations.
Overall Proficiency:
Use the flight review as an opportunity to sharpen your skills across the board.
Your Flight Review Is More Than a Requirement
It's easy to look at a flight review as another item on the FAA checklist.
But aviation rewards preparation and proficiency.
The more comfortable you are with your airplane, procedures, and decision-making, the better prepared you are to handle unexpected situations.
A flight review provides a structured opportunity to step back, evaluate your flying, and continue developing as a pilot.
Whether you're an experienced pilot who wants to stay sharp or someone returning to aviation after time away, additional instruction is an investment in your safety and confidence.
Schedule Your Flight Review With Arizona Airborne
If your flight review is coming due—or if you simply want to sharpen your skills—Arizona Airborne can help.
Based at Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD), Arizona Airborne provides flight instruction and pilot training designed around your individual goals. Our instructors can help you complete your flight review while identifying opportunities to improve your overall proficiency and confidence in the cockpit.
Don't wait until your flight review is due. Make it part of your ongoing commitment to becoming a safer, more proficient pilot.
Ready to schedule your flight review? Contact Arizona Airborne today and get back in the cockpit with confidence.