Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that establishes the flight review requirement. To act as pilot in command, a pilot must have completed a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months, consisting of at least 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training given by an authorized instructor, with the satisfactory completion endorsed in the pilot's logbook.
Plain English
This is the rule that says every pilot has to do a check-up flight with an instructor at least once every two years to keep flying as pilot in command. The instructor must sign the pilot's logbook to show it was done.
Context Anchor
You will see this citation in discussions of pilot currency, flight reviews, logbook endorsements, and instructor responsibilities.
Derivation
14 CFR means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which is the section of U.S. federal law covering aviation. Part 61 covers certification of pilots and instructors. Section 61.56 is the specific paragraph within Part 61 that addresses the flight review.
Why Pilots Care
Failing to complete the required flight review removes a pilot's legal authority to act as pilot in command.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a random legal number. It points to a specific rule: the flight review rule for pilots.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying the family to the coast next month, she scheduled a 14 CFR part 61.56 flight review with her local CFI.
Example Sentence 2
According to 14 CFR part 61.56, the flight review must include both ground and flight training.