Biennial Flight Review (BFR)

Phase 1: Ground Review

• Current General Operating Rules: Review of Part 91 regulations, including equipment requirements, fuel reserves, and preflight action.

• Airspace & Weather Minimums: Review of airspace classes (A, B, C, D, E, G), cloud clearance requirements, and VFR weather minimums.

• Pilot Certification & Currency: Discussion on medical certificates (including BasicMed), logging PIC time, and passenger-carrying currency.

• Aviation Safety & Risk Management: Application of the PAVE checklist and Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) to real-world scenarios.

• Runway Safety: Review of airport signage, markings, lighting, and best practices for avoiding runway incursions.

• Technologies & Regulations: Updates on ADS-B requirements, TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions), and recent changes to the FARs.

Phase 2: Flight Maneuvers & Procedures

• Preflight Procedures: Thorough aircraft inspection and disciplined use of checklists from startup through the run-up.

• Airport Operations: Radio communications, traffic pattern entry/exit, and maintaining situational awareness in the terminal environment.

• Takeoffs & Landings:

• • Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings.

  • Short-field and soft-field techniques.

  • Go-around procedures from stabilized and unstabilized approaches.

• Basic Airwork:

  • Steep turns (45° bank).

  • Slow flight at minimum controllable airspeed.

  • Power-off and power-on stalls (recognition and recovery).

• Instrument Reference: Basic maneuvers performed solely by reference to instruments for general safety and spatial disorientation awareness.

• Emergency Operations:

  • Simulated engine failure (best glide and landing site selection).

  • Emergency descents and cockpit fire procedures.

  • Systems failures, including electrical, trim, or radio issues.

Phase 3: Post-Flight Discussion & Endorsement

• Performance Review: Debrief of the flight, identifying strengths and areas for continued improvement.

• Plan of Action: Discussing personal minimums and setting future flying goals.

• Logbook Entry: Completion of the required endorsement upon satisfactory demonstration of pilot proficiency.

Recommended References

• FAA Advisory Circular AC 61-98D: Currency and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check.

• 14 CFR § 61.56: Flight Review Requirements.

• FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C): For maneuver standards and execution.

• FAA Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2A): For ADM and safety discussion topics.