Flight review due date, 24 calendar months.

What the rule says

Under 14 CFR 61.56(c), no person may act as pilot in command unless "since the beginning of the 24th calendar month before the month in which that pilot acts as pilot in command" they have accomplished a flight review "by an authorized instructor" and have a logbook endorsement. The count is by calendar month. A review given anywhere in March 2026 satisfies the rule for any flight through March 31, 2028.

What the review contains

Section 61.56(a) requires at least 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training, including a review of the current general operating and flight rules of part 91 and the maneuvers and procedures the instructor judges necessary. Glider pilots may substitute three instructional flights for the flight hour.

Things that can stand in for a review

• A pilot proficiency check or practical test conducted by an examiner, approved check airman or U.S. Armed Force, within the period (61.56(d)(1)).
• Certain flight instructor practical tests and reinstatements (61.56(d)(2)).
• One or more phases of an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency program (61.56(e)).
• A student pilot with a current solo flight endorsement under 61.87 does not need one (61.56(g)).

A flight instructor who has met the recent experience requirements of 61.197 or completed a refresher course under 61.199(a)(1) may skip the hour of ground training (61.56(f)). Simulators and training devices count only in an approved part 142 course (61.56(i)).

Worked example

Review on March 10, 2026. The 24th calendar month after March 2026 is March 2028, so the last day is March 31, 2028. Flying on April 1, 2028 requires a new review or a qualifying credit.

FAQ

How long is a flight review good for?

Through the end of the 24th calendar month after the month in which it was given.

Does the review expire on the anniversary day?

No. The rule counts calendar months, so the last day is the end of the month.

What if I got a new rating or passed a checkride?

A qualifying practical test or proficiency check within the period can replace the flight review under 61.56(d).

Does a student pilot need a flight review?

Not while training for a certificate with a current solo flight endorsement.

Can I do a flight review in a simulator?

Only in an approved part 142 course, and the takeoff and landing requirements of 61.57 still apply unless the simulator is approved for landings.

Does the review have to be in an aircraft I am rated for?

Yes. It must be given in an aircraft for which the pilot is rated, by an authorized instructor.

Sources

Retrieved 2026-11-02. Statute and regulation text read through the eCFR API (current as of 2026-10-29) or the publisher URLs below.

• 14 CFR 61.56, Flight review: 24th calendar month rule, exceptions and what a review consists of.