Definition
The section of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 61, that establishes the flight review requirement. It specifies that, with limited exceptions, no person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft unless, within the preceding 24 calendar months, they have completed a flight review given by an authorized instructor and received a logbook endorsement certifying satisfactory completion. The review must consist of at least 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training, covering current general operating and flight rules of 14 CFR part 91 and a review of those maneuvers and procedures the instructor deems necessary for the pilot to safely exercise the privileges of the pilot certificate.
Plain English
This is the federal rule that requires every pilot to complete a flight review with an instructor at least once every 24 months in order to keep flying as pilot in command. The review includes at least one hour in the air and one hour on the ground, and the instructor signs your logbook when you pass.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight review guidance, logbook endorsement discussions, instructor records, and FAA references about pilot currency.
Derivation
CFR' stands for Code of Federal Regulations -- the official collection of U.S. federal rules. Title 14 covers Aeronautics and Space. Part 61 governs the certification of pilots and instructors. Section 61.56 is the specific paragraph within that part that addresses flight reviews. The numbering is a precise address: title, part, section.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must comply with this section to remain legally eligible to act as pilot in command.
Grounding Statement
This citation points to the rule that answers: “Am I legally current to be the pilot in command after my flight review?”
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a page number or a chapter in a handbook. It is a legal rule citation that points to the FAA’s flight review requirement.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying his family to the coast, the pilot checked his logbook and confirmed his 14 CFR part 61 section 61.56 flight review endorsement was still within 24 calendar months.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor opened the handbook to 14 CFR part 61 section 61.56 to confirm the exact requirements for the upcoming review.